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SPEECH PATHOLOGY
Who are MI Health Solutions Speech Pathologists?
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Speech pathologists are university-trained allied health professionals who specialise in improving communication disorders and swallowing difficulties to improve the quality of life of anyone experiencing these difficulties.
All MI Health Solutions speech pathologists are accredited with Speech Pathology Australia (SPA), the primary industry body. This ensures that they meet the highest standards of professional practice.
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If you are looking for a speech pathologist to help you or someone you know improve their communication or swallowing difficulties, please contact MI Health Solutions today. We would be happy to discuss your individual needs and develop a personalised treatment plan that is right for you and your family.
How we can help
Speech pathologists work across the lifespan (from infants through to adults) to support people who have difficulties with:
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Speech and sound disorders. Speech is the production of sounds that make up words. It is important for communication, as it allows us to express ourselves and understand others. Speech disorders can make it difficult to produce sounds correctly, which can impact communication. Speech sound disorders are the most common type of speech disorder. They affect the production of speech sounds. Children with speech sound disorders may have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, such as "s" or "r." Adults with speech sound disorders may have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds due to injury or illness.
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Language disorders. Language is the ability to use words to communicate. It includes both speaking and understanding language. Language disorders can make it difficult to understand or use language correctly, which can impact communication. These difficulties can range from mild to severe. Children with language disorders may have difficulty understanding what is said to them, or they may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. Adults with language disorders may have difficulty following directions, reading, or writing.
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Voice disorders. Voice is the sound of the human voice. It is produced by the vocal cords, which vibrate when air passes through them. Voice disorders can affect the pitch, loudness, or quality of the voice. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, illness, or overuse. Voice disorders can make it difficult to speak clearly or comfortably.
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Fluency disorders are also known as stuttering. They affect the flow of speech. People with fluency disorders may repeat words or syllables, or they may have difficulty getting started with words. Fluency disorders can make it difficult to communicate effectively.
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Literacy disorders. Literacy is the ability to read and write. It is essential for education, employment, and participation in society. Literacy disorders can make it difficult to read or write correctly. They can range from mild to severe difficulties.
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Swallowing disorders can affect a person's ability to move food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, illness, or neurological disorders. Swallowing disorders can make it difficult to eat and drink safely.
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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Speech pathologists can assess and provide intervention for people who need to use AAC devices to communicate. They can help people to choose the right AAC device and to learn how to use it effectively. They use a range of AAC tools, including Proloquo2go and LAMP, which can support clients with communication impairments. There are also low-tech options, including PECS and PODD books, which can again support children and adults who may not be able to communicate effectively with verbal communication.
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Pragmatic and social skills. Speech pathologists can assess and provide intervention for people who have difficulty with pragmatics and social skills by developing communication strategies, ensuring more effective interaction with others.
Starting out: what to expect
During your initial consultation with a Speech Pathologist, the following will typically be covered:
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Introductions and history taking: Our speech pathologists will introduce themselves and ask you and/or your child some questions about their communication and swallowing skills. We will also ask about your medical history and any other relevant information.
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Observation and assessment: Our speech pathologists will observe you or your child's communication and swallowing skills in a variety of settings, such as during play, general conversation, and eating. We may also ask you to complete some questionnaires or standardised assessment tasks.
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Diagnosis and treatment plan: Our speech pathologists will use the information they gathered during the assessment to diagnose you or your child's communication or swallowing disorder. We will then develop a treatment plan that is tailored to you or your child's individual needs, considering the assessment results as well as your family’s priorities.
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Education and support: Our speech pathologists will provide you with education and support about your or your child's communication or swallowing disorder. If appropriate, we will also provide you with activities to complete at home to complement the work being undertaken in therapy.
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Follow-up appointments: Our speech pathologists will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your or your child's progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as required.
The specific steps that occur at an initial speech pathology appointment may vary depending on the client's age, the presence of any communication or swallowing disorders and the init assessment findings.
How we deliver our services
We bring our mobile exercise services to the entire Perth metro area, ensuring convenience for you. Our team of speech pathologists are available to meet you at a location that suits you best, whether in the comfort of your home, school, childcare centre, workplace or aged care facility.
Service options
Speech Pathology is recognised by most private health insurance providers as an effective and valuable treatment option. This recognition means that policyholders may be eligible to receive reimbursement for the cost of consultations with a speech pathologist depending on the specific policy and the type of speech pathology service required.
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Some private health insurance policies in Australia cover speech pathology services for children, while others cover speech pathology services for adults. Some policies may also cover speech pathology services for specific conditions, such as autism or aphasia. To find out if your private health insurance policy covers speech pathology services, you should contact your insurance company directly. You can also check the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman website for a list of policies that cover speech pathology services.
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The amount of reimbursement you receive will depend on your individual policy. You can either receive your reimbursement immediately after the consultation through HICAPS or later through your health insurance provider.
It is important to note that these reimbursements are only available to private patients
