Your Questions Answered...

Question 1

How much does an evaluation cost?

Accepted Answer

Fees vary based on a number of factors, such as age of child, child's language level, the need for more testing of co-occurring speech-language concerns (speech, articulation, pragmatic language) or cognitive delay, team evaluation vs. single provider, diagnostic evaluation vs. general speech-language evaluation

Question 2

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

Accepted Answer

A Good Faith Estimate is a statement provided to patients at least three days prior to the scheduled appointment of expected charges. See the link below to learn more about good faith estimates and the laws that protect patients from unexpected bills. https://www.cms.gov/files/document/nosurpriseactfactsheet-whats-good-faith-estimate508c.pdf

Question 3

What forms of payment are accepted?

Accepted Answer

We currently accept private pay and CareCredit®. 50% of the cost for testing is due at the first in-person appointment, with the remainder due at the second appointment. We can provide you with a superbill that includes the necessary diagnostic codes so you can submit documentation to your health insurance company.

Question 4

How do I know if my insurance will cover the cost of the evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Contact your health insurance company directly before scheduling an evaluation appointment.

Question 5

Can Dr. Brian be our child’s primary care physician?

Accepted Answer

Not at this time; however, he will coordinate care with your pediatrician if necessary.

Question 6

What does an autism diagnostic evaluation look like?

Accepted Answer

At the first appointment, Dr. Christie interviews parent(s) and child, administers formal speech-language testing and then "plays" to assist with assessment of communication and social skills. She uses various testing measures typically accepted by insurance companies to support the diagnostic assessment. Oftentimes, we will provide you with questionnaires for your child's teachers or therapists before the visit. Other times, more testing or information may be required. Dr. Brian then meets with parent(s) and child 1-2 weeks later for the medical evaluation. On the second visit both Drs. West will then provide a diagnosis, recommendations, and answer any questions. The team evaluation report will be emailed to the family using a HIPAA-approved, secure link within 7-10 days.

Question 7

What assessment tools are used during the diagnostic evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Common measures utilized: CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale-Second Edition), KBIT-2 Revised (IQ screen), ABAS-2 (adaptive behavior scale), GARS-2 (Gilliam Autism Rating Scale). If your insurance requires specific measures, please let us know before the first appointment.

Question 8

What ages do you see in the clinic?

Accepted Answer

Typically, we see children and adolescents ranging from 2-16 years old. However, we will see patients outside of this age range!

Question 9

I have suspected for quite some time that I might be on the autism spectrum, do you evaluate adults?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We can certainly test adults and give our professional opinion regarding an autism diagnosis. An autism diagnosis is offered to individuals who have had social, behavior, and communication difficulties from early childhood. Sometimes obtaining accurate early developmental history is challenging due to fading memories from aging parents, primary caregivers, and the patients themselves.

Question 10

Do vaccines cause autism?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely NOT! Since the early 2000s, multiple independent research studies around the world have disproven any link to autism from vaccines. Non-partisan, autonomous global organizations have unanimously refuted links to autism, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Medical Association (AMA), Autism Science Foundation, Institute for Vaccine Safety, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Medicine, Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), to name a few.

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