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22 Speak Out April 2015 Speech Pathology Australia
professional practice news
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
Intake – Point of referral or initial contact with
a potential client
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