Although in-person interaction is typically the primary form of contact between most patients and speech-language pathologists; since 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic many therapists and patients turned to telepractice as an effective way to deliver and receive speech, voice and swallowing treatment.
The benefit to you, as a patient, is that there is no need to travel any further than your home to receive the same treatment programs you would receive in person. The same HIPPA privacy regulations are observed, and your information is stored securely in an electronic health record, allowing you to access that information at any future time.
Here at Voice Aerobics, I have offered telepractice and Online Coaching for years, and also have hosted a weekly Speak OUT! group online since 2020. Even patients with little or limited computer experience soon find that joining a web-based video session is easy. You can rest assured that your privacy is protected same as in person, and only HIPAA secure websites are used. Voice apps, like VoiceEvalU8, even allow me to collect acoustic voice data at a distance just using your smart phone.
Although Congress has yet to give Speech-Language pathologist permanent access to Telehealth, CMS (Centers for Medicare) will continue to cover telehealth services provided by audiologists and speech-language pathologists through 2025. This is a great benefit to Medicare recipients, and an opportunity for speech-language pathologists to provide speech, voice, and swallowing treatment to patients regardless of their access to transportation or proximity to a provider.
If you or another adult you know is in need of speech, voice or swallowing treatment, please contact the office to schedule an appointment.
Did You Know That HIGH EFFORT Voice Exercises Can Make the Voice Stronger?
Many things can effect our voices including medical conditions such as Parkinson’s, medications, and age related changes. When patients report that they have difficulty staying loud enough to be understood, vocal function exercises may be prescribed. Just like lifting weights creates resistance to movement for our skeletal muscles, vocalizing at an increased level of effort loads the muscles necessary to produce a strong and energetic voice. LSVT® LOUD for Parkinson’s related voice changes and PhORTE (Phonation Resistance Exercise) for age-related changes are examples of voice strengthening programs offered here at Voice Aerobics.
Patients are often provided a Hi-VOLT® bracelet, a calibrated voice-activated feedback tool that can improve performance and outcomes.
A no cost Online Coaching session is always available to anyone who purchases a Voice Aerobics product or program. Please visit our website to learn more: https://voiceaerobicsdvd.com/
Here’s what a few telepractice patients had to say: “I’m impressed by Mary’s ability to administer speech therapy through telepractice. I can honestly say it’s like being in the same room with her. Her compassion and humor are effectively transmitted”. Fred (diagnosis Parkinson’s completed Speak OUT!speech therapy online)
“The ability to speak clearly has been a battle for the last 30 years with Parkinson’s. My voice was becoming so weak that my friends couldn’t hear me anymore. Speaking with a strong voice is the primary goal of my therapy.Because of distance from Punta Gorda, speech therapy via telepractice has been a great way to have therapy on a continuing basis. It has made the process rewarding and stimulating. It is especially helpful because you are able to also interact with others in therapy. Mary’s innovative program utilizing telepractice has enhanced my entire therapy experience. I feel so fortunate to have been referred to her.” Lee (diagnosis Parkinson’s)
My Mission: To enlist individuals in their treatment, and help them express their personality & spirit through voice. To educate and empower. Mary Spremulli, MA, CCC-SLP Certified End of Life Specialist Training (CEOLS) * FiTOUR® Group Exercise Instructor
Voice Aerobics® A Whole Body Approach to Voice Practice
Katherine, fortunately, now Medicare (CMS) has expanded payment/coverage to include speech therapy under Med-B. Billing, however, can be a big headache with the various secondary payers, and my suggestion would be to find a good billing company. If you would like the contact for my billing person, feel free to email me directly at: info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com
I appreciate your emails and information you share! How do I get approved to provide speech therapy to my Medicare B’s? The whole billing part is what is keeping me from doing teletherapy with my Parkinson’s patients. I miss them and know they are going through this time without therapy. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!