b. Therapeutic services

Official source

The following are examples of common medical disorders and resulting communication deficits which may necessitate active restorative therapy:

1. Cerebrovascular disease such as cerebral vascular accidents presenting with dysphagia, aphasia/dysphasia, apraxia, and dysarthria;

2. Neurological disease such as Parkinsonism or Multiple Sclerosis may exhibit dysarthria, dysphagia, or inadequate respiratory volume/control;

3. Mental retardation with disorders such as aphasia or dysarthria; and

4. Laryngeal carcinoma requiring laryngectomy resulting in aphonia may warrant therapy of the laryngectomized patient so they can develop new communication skills through esophageal speech and/or use of the electrolarynx.

NOTE: Many patients who do not require speech pathology services as defined above do require services involving nondiagnostic, nontherapeutic, routine, repetitive, and reinforced procedures or services for their general good and welfare; e.g., the practicing of word drills. Such services do not constitute speech pathology services for Medicare purposes and would not be covered since they do not require performance by or the supervision of a qualified speech pathologist.

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b. Therapeutic services

Official source

The following are examples of common medical disorders and resulting communication deficits which may necessitate active restorative therapy:

1. Cerebrovascular disease such as cerebral vascular accidents presenting with dysphagia, aphasia/dysphasia, apraxia, and dysarthria;

2. Neurological disease such as Parkinsonism or Multiple Sclerosis may exhibit dysarthria, dysphagia, or inadequate respiratory volume/control;

3. Mental retardation with disorders such as aphasia or dysarthria; and

4. Laryngeal carcinoma requiring laryngectomy resulting in aphonia may warrant therapy of the laryngectomized patient so they can develop new communication skills through esophageal speech and/or use of the electrolarynx.

NOTE: Many patients who do not require speech pathology services as defined above do require services involving nondiagnostic, nontherapeutic, routine, repetitive, and reinforced procedures or services for their general good and welfare; e.g., the practicing of word drills. Such services do not constitute speech pathology services for Medicare purposes and would not be covered since they do not require performance by or the supervision of a qualified speech pathologist.