As a small private practice dedicated to quality client care, Stewart SLP is private-pay only. This means that we do not bill any insurance company directly and are considered “out-of-network” for all insurance plans. Instead of billing insurance companies, we issue statements and accept payments directly from clients on a monthly basis.
There are four primary reasons why we are committed to a private-pay service model:
REDUCED FINANCIAL BENEFIT TO CLIENTS: Insurance coverage of communication disorders continues to be cut by many insurance plans, resulting in limited coverage of even “covered” services. Additionally, many employers and employees are moving toward high-deductible plans. If you, as a client, have a high-deductible plan, you will have to pay the full, out-of-pocket rate for speech-language services until you reach your deductible whether or not your service provider accepts insurance. Usually, families end up paying more elsewhere to meet their deductible, since our private-pay rates are often lower than larger companies that accept insurance.
CONTROL OVER CLIENT CARE: When you work with an out-of-network provider, you retain full control over your health information and privacy. Additionally, our clinicians have the freedom to design and implement the best care plan for your child without the eligibility or treatment restrictions that are enforced by insurance companies.
TIME: We do not have the staff or significant time required to bill insurance, manage claims, and respond to the numerous denials that have become common even with “covered” services. Our top priority is to provide quality care and support to our clients and families. We can best support families when our time is dedicated directly to clients and not to insurance billing.
COSTS: Insurance payments to providers are often inconsistent and low, especially to small practices. We are committed to paying our clinicians a fair wage for their expertise, providing clients with up-to-date assessments and materials, and ensuring ongoing learning through continuing education. These expenses cannot be supported by low insurance payment rates.
While we do not bill insurance, we offer billing & financial support in several ways:
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flex Spending Accounts (FSA)
Many of our clients utilize these pre-tax medical spending accounts to cover speech-language services, which are eligible expenses. Families can pay with an HSA/FSA card online or submit for reimbursement from these accounts using our monthly statements, hassle free.
Insurance Reimbursement
We provide monthly statements that are fully coded with diagnostic codes, procedure codes, NPI number, and tax ID number, along with service dates and descriptions. Families can submit our monthly statements for reimbursement with their insurance company. Some insurance companies will cover these out-of-network expenses, and others will not. We cannot guarantee reimbursement, and we encourage you to contact your insurance company for specific details about your plan.
Convenient Payments
We accept several convenient forms of payment, including cash, check, and secure online payments (HSA/FSA cards, credit, and debit) through Square. Paying is easy, leaving time for more important work (like supporting your child’s communication at home!).
Scholarships
We maintain the Stewart SLP Scholarship Fund for families in need of financial assistance. Applications are fast, easy, and reflect each family’s self-identified need. We will not ask for tax forms or any other proof of financial need. Stewart SLP runs several fundraisers each year to maintain our Scholarship Fund. Donations are always welcome!
Stewart SLP is committed to providing high-quality services, maintaining control over client care, and supporting our community. If you have questions about our services or would like to enroll in therapy, call us at 248-206-0464 or email nicole@stewartslp.com. We’re here to help!
