Evaluating Disparities in Reimbursement Rates: A Policy Analysis of Speech-Language Pathologists Compared to Related Allied Health Professions
Location
Lions Eye Center
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
28-4-2025 12:00 PM
End Date
28-4-2025 1:30 PM
Description
Introduction: Allied health professions play a crucial role in our healthcare system. Speech-language pathologists (SLP), occupational therapists (OT), and physical therapists (PT) work collaboratively with physicians and nurses to improve patient care and outcomes to optimize overall quality of life. However, the reimbursement rates for services provided by profession vary dramatically. Purpose: The purpose of this policy analysis is to determine the difference between health insurance reimbursement rates per session for SLPs compared to OTs and PTs. Methods: This is a formal policy analysis based on the methodology prescribed by Wilensky & Teitelbaum (2020). Components of a policy analysis included: problem statement, background, landscape, options, and recommendations. Based on available research, the options considered were those determined to be the highest priority and most achievable. Each policy option was evaluated based on the interest of the following stakeholders: SLPs, PTs, OTs, Medicaid rates, Medicare rates, and private insurance company rates. Results: Despite similar educational requirements and skill sets, significant gaps and variability in reimbursement rates are observed across states nationally. This is especially true in Louisiana. Analysis supports the following recommendation: Enhanced student and practitioner education on reimbursement processes that will allow for a deeper understanding of how insurance companies determine payment rates. Additionally, a more robust effort to advocate for the profession including lobbying at the state level is needed. Discussion: More in-depth, thorough analysis is needed in the future to confirm this recommendation and to identify underlying reasons for disparities seen and values placed on each profession.
Recommended Citation
Lougon, Kate, "Evaluating Disparities in Reimbursement Rates: A Policy Analysis of Speech-Language Pathologists Compared to Related Allied Health Professions" (2025). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 15.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2025/posters/15
Evaluating Disparities in Reimbursement Rates: A Policy Analysis of Speech-Language Pathologists Compared to Related Allied Health Professions
Lions Eye Center
Introduction: Allied health professions play a crucial role in our healthcare system. Speech-language pathologists (SLP), occupational therapists (OT), and physical therapists (PT) work collaboratively with physicians and nurses to improve patient care and outcomes to optimize overall quality of life. However, the reimbursement rates for services provided by profession vary dramatically. Purpose: The purpose of this policy analysis is to determine the difference between health insurance reimbursement rates per session for SLPs compared to OTs and PTs. Methods: This is a formal policy analysis based on the methodology prescribed by Wilensky & Teitelbaum (2020). Components of a policy analysis included: problem statement, background, landscape, options, and recommendations. Based on available research, the options considered were those determined to be the highest priority and most achievable. Each policy option was evaluated based on the interest of the following stakeholders: SLPs, PTs, OTs, Medicaid rates, Medicare rates, and private insurance company rates. Results: Despite similar educational requirements and skill sets, significant gaps and variability in reimbursement rates are observed across states nationally. This is especially true in Louisiana. Analysis supports the following recommendation: Enhanced student and practitioner education on reimbursement processes that will allow for a deeper understanding of how insurance companies determine payment rates. Additionally, a more robust effort to advocate for the profession including lobbying at the state level is needed. Discussion: More in-depth, thorough analysis is needed in the future to confirm this recommendation and to identify underlying reasons for disparities seen and values placed on each profession.