SpeakOut_Apr2015_FINAL_web

professional practice news

Intake – Point of referral or initial contact with a potential client

In most cases , the first time you speak to a potential client will be the first time they have spoken to a speech pathologist. Often the client will not fully understand what a speech pathologist is and what we do. Providing them with this information and details about your business will increase their understanding of our profession and will potentially minimise the risk of misunderstandings or disagreements in the future. How much time you spend on intake and the level of detail you go into is a personal business decision and may vary from client to client depending on their needs and the complexity of these needs. It is highly recommended that intake discussions occur either over the phone or face-to-face, that you have a standard procedure or checklist that you follow, and for the client to be provided with information in writing. Speech Pathology Australia’s fact sheets can be used to provide information about what a speech pathologist is and what we do, and a brochure can be developed for your business. The brochure or information sheet can include

details about the type of clients you work with (e.g., children, adults, both), the type of service you provide (e.g., mobile, clinic-based), your fee schedule and when and how to pay, and any policies or procedures that the client needs to be aware of, etc. A template for this information sheet is included in SPA’s Policy and Procedure Manual. Providing information about what an assessment session involves will prepare the client for the next step. Just as with the “fine print” we never read, don’t assume that your client has read the information provided. You will need to discuss the information in your first session and encourage the client to ask questions. Ultimately, you want the client to understand what a speech pathologist does and how your business works before they agree to the next step… an assessment. The assessment process will be the topic of our next article in the June edition of Speak Out .

christine lyons Senior Advisor, Professional Practice

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Speak Out April 2015

Speech Pathology Australia