Speech Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

  • Insurance & Billing Information for Speech Therapy Services

    At MCG, we bill medically based speech therapy services to your insurance as either an in-network or out-of-network provider. If your plan does not include out-of-network benefits, you have the option of self-pay rates for evaluations and treatment sessions.

    How Insurance Coverage Works

    We are happy to check your eligibility and benefits as a courtesy. However, please understand that:

    • Coverage varies by insurer and by plan.

    • Some plans cover speech therapy under medical benefits; others do not.

    • Providers cannot always see full benefit details (copays, deductibles, & exclusions).

    For these reasons, clients are responsible for confirming whether your specific policy covers speech therapy services before beginning care.

    Your Out-of-Pocket Costs May Include:

    • Deductible

    • Copay

    • Coinsurance

    • Non-covered services

    These amounts are determined by your plan and are charged directly by your insurance company, not by MCG.

    Important Notice for Medicaid Clients

    If you have Medicaid, you must be enrolled in a Managed Care Organization (MCO). Standard Medicaid does not cover outpatient speech therapy services.

    Insurance Plans We Accept (Speech Therapy)

    We are In-Network with:

    • Sentara Health Plans

    • Cigna

    • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (including HealthKeepers)

    • Aetna

    • Aetna Better Health of Virginia

    • Medicare

    • United Healthcare

    • Humana

    We are Out-of-Network with:

    • Tricare (Certified Out-of-Network)

    Understanding Referrals & Authorizations

    Referrals

    A referral is a written order from your physician that includes a diagnosis and recommends therapy. Many insurance plans require referrals to ensure that treatment is appropriate and medically necessary.

    Authorizations

    Some insurance plans require prior authorization for therapy.
    Authorizations may be required:

    • Before the evaluation,

    • After the evaluation, or

    • Before ongoing treatment sessions.

    An authorization approves the service, but does not guarantee full coverage. You may still be responsible for deductibles, copays, or coinsurance.

    Questions About Your Insurance?

    Our team is here to help you understand your options and navigate your coverage.
    Please reach out if you need assistance verifying benefits or understanding your financial responsibility.

  • Getting Started With Speech Therapy at MCG

    Beginning services with Mindful Communication Group is simple. To ensure proper medical documentation and insurance compliance, please follow the steps below.

    1. Referral From Your Physician

    Depending on your insurance, a referral may be required before we can schedule your initial evaluation appointment.
    If a referral is required, your provider must include:

    • A documented diagnosis code
      (Example: F80.2 – Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder)

    • A written request for evaluation and treatment

    • The provider’s NPI number

    2. Scheduling Your Initial Evaluation

    Our administrative team will:

    • Verify your insurance benefits

    • Contact you to schedule your evaluation appointment

    • Review what to expect at your first visit

    3. Authorization (If Required by Your Insurance Plan)

    Some insurance plans require prior authorization before therapy can begin.
    If so, please note:

    • Authorization approval can take up to 30 days

    • We will not schedule follow-up therapy sessions until authorization is received

    Our team will handle the authorization request for you and communicate any updates.

    4. We’re Here to Help

    Our goal is to make this process easy and transparent. If you have questions about referrals, scheduling, or insurance, our administrative team is here to support you every step of the way.

  • Most clients are scheduled within one week of receiving a physician referral, completing the required intake forms and insurance verification. Appointments are scheduled with the therapist who has open availability at the time, based on your location and preferred service format (in-person or virtual). Once your paperwork is received, our team will contact you promptly to offer the next available appointment.

If you still have questions, feel free to reach out or email us.

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