Q: What are some of the services offered by Speech-Language Pathologists?

A: Speech-Language Pathologists provide a multitude of services for patients of all ages. Some examples:

Q: What are some of the diagnoses treated by Speech-Language Pathologists?

A: Speech-Language Pathologists provide treatment for a many disorders.
Some examples:

Q: My child is 4 years old. It is hard for me to understand my child’s speech. Should I have him evaluated?

A: In most cases, a child’s speech is understood by familiar listeners between the ages of two and three years of age. A speech and language evaluation will assess the sounds in your child’s phonemic repertoire. While it may be determined that your child has some articulation difficulties, some errors may be age appropriate. After evaluating your child, the speech-language pathologist will determine the need for treatment.

Q: My child is 2 years old. I’m concerned that he is not talking as much as he should be. Should I have him evaluated?

A: By the age of two, your child should be using two to three word phrases to talk about and request objects. A speech-language pathologist can evaluate your child and, if necessary, develop a treatment plan to expand his verbal expression.

Q: My mother coughs when she drinks. Does she have a swallowing problem?

A: Coughing while eating or drinking is often a sign of aspiration (food/drink entering your lungs). Other signs of aspiration include throat clearing, wet vocal quality, runny nose, and watery eyes. A speech-language pathologist can evaluate your mother’s swallowing and, if necessary, may recommend diet modifications, compensatory strategies, or oral-pharyngeal exercises.

Q: Is Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech Therapy covered by my insurance?

A: Most rehabilitation is covered by insurance, however health plans may vary. Our office staff will assist you in determining your coverage.

Q: Do I need a referral for therapy?

A: A physician's prescription is needed for rehab services. You may be referred by your Primary Care Physician or by a specialist such as an Orthopedist.

Q: What should my prescription say?

A: Minimally, prescriptions must contain the following information: your name, specific diagnosis, and the service you are to receive (i.e.: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech Therapy). A prescription may also include specific treatments your physician wishes you to have as well as a frequency and duration for treatment. Prescriptions presented at the time of your evaluation must be dated within the past 30 days. If you are to receive Physical Therapy services in the pool, the prescription must state "pool therapy" or "aquatic therapy."

Q: How do I schedule an appointment?

A: To schedule an appointment, please call centralized scheduling at 781-624-4090. Let them know your diagnosis and whether your prescription says Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech Therapy. If your prescription does not specify a particular therapy, the scheduling department will arrange an appointment for you in accordance with your therapy needs and body part to be treated.

Q: Is there parking available?

A: There is onsite parking on the hospital grounds including some handicapped parking spaces. We also offer free valet parking at the hospital's south entrance located by the Emergency Room.

Q: What are the hours of operation?

A: The Outpatient Rehab Department offers services Monday thru Thursday from 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., Fridays from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Q: How do I enroll in Cardiac or Pulmonary Rehab Programs?

A: A signed referral by your physician is required along with certain required tests (CR: recent stress test, recent EKG) / (PR: recent pulmonary function test, recent stress test).

Q: Will my insurance cover the cost of Cardiac Rehab/Pulmonary Rehab at SSH?

A: Yes, most insurances do cover the cost of these programs; however, some participants do have to pay a co-pay.

Q: What days and times are the cardiac and pulmonary classes held?

A: Cardiac Rehab is offered three days/ week (M/W/F) and there are seven classes each day (7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 5:45 p.m.) Pulmonary Rehab is offered two days/ week and there are two classes each day (Tu/ Th) at 12:15 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Q: How often will I have therapy while I am in the hospital?

A: Therapy is available seven days a week. The number of visits you will receive will be determined by you, your therapist, and your physician based on your rehab needs.

Q: Does my insurance cover for equipment I may need (e.g., crutches, canes)?

A: Insurance plans vary and your case manager will help the therapist determine if the equipment you need will be covered. Otherwise a list of resources where you may borrow equipment will be provided to you.

Q: Does SSH still offer a TCU (transitional care unit or rehab unit) for me to have my rehab?

A. South Shore Hospital no longer has a Transitional Care Unit. If you require Short Term Rehab after your hospitalization, your case manager will assist you with discharge planning. We also offer extensive services provided through South Shore Visiting Nurse and our own Outpatient Rehab department if you are able to discharge directly home.