Medicare Checklist for SLPs

Resource Toolkit Assignment:  Resource Summary Sheet

1.     Name of the tool, or a brief description: A checklist outlining all of the tasks that the speech-language pathologist is responsible for when recommending a speech generating device, speech generating device software, and/or accessories for a device with Medicare funding.

2.     What type of patient(s) would you use this tool/technique with?  (Describe by characteristics or by etiology.) This tool is specifically designed to be used by the speech-language pathologist rather than by the client. It is a step by step checklist to ensure that all requirements are met when requesting funding for a speech generating device for a client.

3.     How/why would you use this tool?  In what way will it be helpful? I envision myself using this tool each time I am compiling the necessary documentation to recommend an AAC device for a client. It’s an easy way to keep track of all the steps involved in this process in order to satisfy Medicare’s requirements.

4.     What are the advantages of this tool/technique? The checklist is concise and simple to use: it requires the SLP to simply mark yes or no next to each item. The items are organized in the order of when they should be completed (the items at the top of the list should be completed before those at the bottom), so it helps you to stay on top of everything in the appropriate order. It’s just a simple way to stay organized!

5.     Are there any disadvantages to this tool/technique? At this point, I have no criticisms of this checklist, although I may find things to add to it/take away as I spend more time recommending devices and going through the process of doing this with Medicare.

The next several questions relate to how you obtained this resource:

6.     If you used an existing tool, answer these two questions:

a)     Source/citation for this tool:   (whether published, or from a course, or SPHSC materials) This checklist is from the following website: http://aac-rerc.psu.edu/index.php/pages/show/id/22. The RERC on Communication Enhancement website was listed as a great AAC resource on ASHA’s AAC site: http://www.asha.org/slp/clinical/aac/.

b)    Did you modify this tool?  If so, in what way? No, I did not modify the checklist.

c)     Anything you still don’t like about it and may change in the future? At this point, I would not change the checklist in any way. In the future, I may consider adding steps that are important, but might have previously been left out of the list.

Speech-Language Pathologist Checklist
RERC on Communication Enhancement

When recommending an SGD, SGD software and/or accessories, the SLP's role on behalf of a Medicare beneficiary consists of the following tasks, which can be checked off when completed:

1. Has SGD assessment been completed pursuant to the DMERC RMRP outline?	Yes          No
2. Have appropriate device or SGD software to meet the individual's daily functional communication needs been identified and specified?	Yes          No
3. Have necessary SGD accessories been identified and specified?	Yes          No
4. Are recommended device and accessories covered by Medicare?	Yes          No
5. Does manufacturer/supplier of the recommended device and accessories accept Medicare assignment?	Yes          No
6. Has clinician discussed equipment costs, co-payment obligations, and possible sources of additional funding with client and/or family? (Particularly important if the device is not covered, or no assignment will be taken.)	Yes          No
7. Has an alternative device been identified if the recommended device is not affordable?	Yes          No
8. Has the written report been completed pursuant to the DMERC RMRP outline that: a) supports recommendation of the SGD, SGD software, and each AAC accessory; b) identifies the SLP who will provide setup and training services (if different from SLP conducting assessment); and c) describes treatment plan for training and services needed to achieve listed functional goals:	Yes          No
9. Has the written report been forwarded to individual's treating doctor for review so physician can prescribe all recommended items?	Yes          No
10. Has the beneficiary and family been informed how to contact manufacturer/supplier of the SGD to obtain the device and process the Medicare claim?	Yes          No
11. Has the beneficiary and family been informed to contact SLP who will provide set up and training services after delivery of SGD, SGD software and/or accessories?	Yes          No

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