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What is ND-PAE and how is it Related to FASD?

The DSM-5 was released in May 2013 and with it came a revision of criteria for the diagnosis and classification of many psychiatric disorders.  Among them a new proposed criteria was included relevant to alcohol related deficits in children, which is Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated  With Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE) (DSM-5, pgs 798-801). This proposed criteria was included in order to better serve the complex mental health needs of individuals diagnosed with alcohol related deficits, which the previous diagnosis of 760.71 – Alcohol affecting fetus or newborn via placenta or breast milk was unable to adequately capture.   Continue reading What is ND-PAE and how is it Related to FASD?

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Speech Language Services and Insurance Coverage: What Parents Need to Know

insurance coverageBased on popular demand I created this 26 slide presentation to provide basic information regarding insurance coverage for common outpatient speech language assessment and therapy services. This handout contains important questions parents must ask when speaking to their insurance representatives regarding service coverage. —It lists common pediatric diagnostic (ICD-9) and therapeutic (CPT) codes as well as discusses common service exclusions in policies. —It also provides some suggestions on how to initiate appeals for denial of services and includes links to helpful resources parents can access to obtain further elaboration on the information provided in this presentation. Continue reading Speech Language Services and Insurance Coverage: What Parents Need to Know