What is the SLPs Role In Medicare Funding of AAC Devices?
The SLP is the key person in the Medicare claims process related to AAC devices. Medicare guidance related to AAC devices is unique among all items and medical services Medicare covers in that it designates a non-physician, the SLP, as the primary determiner of a beneficiary’s medical need. For everything else Medicare covers, that the beneficiary’s doctor holds responsibility.The assignment of this role to the SLP is based on the enormously positive impression made upon Medicare and DMERC staff by the SLPs who prepared the Formal Request and who thereafter responded patiently to questions raised about AAC intervention. The credibility they established in this process is priceless, and every SLP must approach each Medicare evaluation recognizing the importance of maintaining and reinforcing that trust.
