Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy
What is a speech pathologist?
Speech Pathologists are experts in communication and swallowing disorders. We hold master's degrees, state licenses, and are required to obtain continuing education in these areas. We can diagnose and provide therapy to help with a wide variety of communication and swallowing problems.
How long are sessions?
Evaluations are typically one hour and therapy sessions are 30 minutes. However if we feel we need more time to address all of your areas of concern (i.e. we are working on both speech and swallowing) we may need more time. This is determined at your initial evaluation.
What insurance do you accept?
Complete Scope Speech & Swallowing Services currently accepts Medicare and Private Pay.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please cancel within 24 hours or you will be charged a $50 cancellation fee.
What forms of payment are accepted?
You can pay by cash or check.
How will I be billed for services?
If you are a Medicare beneficiary, we will submit the claim directly to Medicare. If you are paying Private Pay, you will receive an emailed invoice after each session.
What do I need to start therapy at Complete Scope?
You will complete our New patient intake form on our patient portal. If a Medicare beneficiary, a copy of your Medicare card and a referral for Speech Therapy from your doctor.
Where will I receive my therapy?
Complete Scope serves children, teens, and adults in our Huntington, NY clinic, or in the comfort of your home as needed.
How do I know if my child has a myofunctional disorder?
Don't hesitate to contact us and discuss your concerns so we can help you determine if there is a myofunctional disorder. We work closely with local Physicians who specialize in OMD if a referral is warranted.
Frequently Asked Questions About FEES
Who is a candidate for FEES?
FEES is appropriate for most patients who need an in-depth assessment of their swallowing difficulties. Candidates include those who have had a stroke or brain injury, have a progressive disease such as dementia, ALS, or Parkinson's Disease, have head and neck cancer, and those who are NPO and wish to return to eating by mouth. FEES can be particularly useful for those who are bed-bound, are on isolation, or have dementia as it does not require leaving their regular living environment.
Does FEES hurt?
FEES is a very well-tolerated exam and described by most patients as feeling "weird" or briefly uncomfortable but not painful. The endoscope is similar in size to that of a cooked piece of spaghetti and is also as pliable, so once it is maneuvered into place most people don't feel it at all. Most patients state they would repeat the exam if needed.
What are the signs of a swallowing disorder?
​Below are some commonly seen signs of a swallowing disorder. However, patients can also experience "silent aspiration", meaning they are not aware food is going down the wrong "pipe" which puts them at risk for pneumonia. If you have any concerns about yourself or your patients, please contact Complete Scope Speech and Swallowing Services.
​
-
food getting stuck
-
difficulty chewing and/or fatigue during meals
-
drooling or excess saliva in the mouth
-
trouble swallowing specific types of foods, drinks, pills, etc.
-
frequent coughing or throat clearing when eating or drinking
-
foods or drinks "going down the wrong pipe"
-
weight loss or reduced food/drink consumption
-
regurgitating or feeling food/drink coming back up after swallowing
Do you also provide therapy for swallowing disorders?
Yes, if indicated, therapy will be recommended and can be provided by our team. When perfoming FEES onsite at facilities or practices, we also offer staff training and in-services as needed.
Can FEES diagnose a voice disorder?
FEES is a great tool to view the larynx (referred to as the "voice box") and the pharynx and how they function for swallowing. If a vocal abnormality is seen in these areas of the throat during FEES, a referral would be made to an ENT for further assessment.
Billing and Insurance
Complete Scope Speech & Swallowing Services is an approved Medicare provider. We also accept private pay for individuals aged 65 and under. Please contact us to learn more about our private service rates and billing process.