toptop[TOP
At the SMart Center, we strive to provide a high-value service at all times. Billing rate alone does not determine the value of our services. Factors such as the expertise of our professionals, the quality of our work, parent and child support and the speed with which the work is completed is a basis for our fees. x

We offer an array of services at the Smart Center including:
Child/teen Evaluations/treatment, Academic Assessments,  School on-site evaluations, trainings and IEP/504 development, Speech and Language Testing/Treatment, Workshops/in-services,

Fees differ depending upon  services requested and the professional administering  the service. ooo

Since treatment at the SMart Center is often shorter than in other locations and treatment occurs less frequently
(every 2-4 weeks) overall costs are often significantly lower than other treatment programs. (View typical course of treatment)

We recommend reading the SMart Center Treatment Frequently Asked Questions
MOST if not all questions regarding treatment are answered in the FAQ section.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consultation Services Provided:  ** Patients are seen, on average, every 4 weeks at the SMart Center.
(View typical course of treatment) 

We offer Four initial patient/student consultations. all
There are Four  types of initial appointments for child/teen evaluations.  
We provide consultations for families in-person and long distance via teleconference. 
(1) Comprehensive Consultation & Treatment Package: In-Person only 
(2) Per Service Consultation: In-Person, Teleconference
(3) In-School Evaluations: Performed at the school
(4) Ask the Doc: NONpatient consultation.

ALL initial consultations include evaluation of the SM-CDQ (SM Comprehensive Diagnostic Questionnaire), the SM -School Evaluation Form (c), parent Interview, child evaluation (In person/Video).

(1) Comprehensive Evaluations (Basic and Plus):  The comprehensive format is for children who require a full evaluation and a Detailed Comprehensive report and treatment recommendations. 

Ideal format for:
--Children/teens who have never been diagnosed
--Children/teens who have been diagnosed but past treatment has failed or minimal progress has been made and parents would like a reassessment and full evaluation and report.
--Families who are NOT able to present to the SMart Center for regular Follow-UP appointments.

The information presented within the comprehensive report and treatment package is an excellent way to provide detailed information to other treating professionals and/or school personnel working with your child.

The Comprehensive Consultation and Treatment Package consists of:
--An IN-person evaluation ranging from 2-4+ hours.
--Evaluation of SM-CDQ (c) SM-School Eval Form (c),PLUS multiple parent/teacher assessment forms, DVD of child (home/mute setting) and if requested, a review of past records/reports, school reports/testing
--Developing the Detailed Comprehensive Report and Treatment Package  (Includes a Comprehensive Report consisting of: A summary of relevant history, summary of child evaluation results, explanation of child's stages of social communication from setting to setting, Assessment results (explanation of results of SM CDQ, and symptom inventory, multiple 'anxiety'  forms (parent/teacher), summary of etiology (causes), precipitating and propagating factors, Diagnosis (if applies) and specific recommendations for home and school. Detailed handouts with beginning goal/game charts and treatment follow-up recommendations. Typical length of report: 10-15 pages plus multiple handouts and step-wise treatment game/goal charts.

We offer TWO comprehensive formats:
Comprehensive Basic:  This is a ONE day appointment and scheduled for either the morning or afternoon session.
Total in-office time: 2 + hours
Fees: Begin at $1995
Comprehensive Plus:  This is a TWO day appointment and scheduled during two consecutive days.   The purpose of this approach allows Dr. E to evaluate your child and to provide you with starting goals/games beginning THAT day. You then WORK on the recommendations for the rest of the day in the Real World settings (as directed by Dr. E). Then, the following day, you review HOW your child did and discuss further ways to enhance success.  Total in-office time: 4+ hours.
Fees: Begin at: $2495

(2) Per Service Consultation: This format is ideal for:
A. Families who are searching for 'additional recommendations' and a different treatment approach and simply need to 'just begin' a new treatment or need treatment advice but are NOT in need of a detailed comprehensive report.
B. For school personnel in need of advice on their students current social communication status and recommendations for school based accommodations and interventions.
C. Second opinions, evaluations to rule in/out SM, Need questions answered that are specific to a child.
D. School accommodation recommendations, (504 plans, IEP plans, school oriented questions)
E. Families who request an IEP or 504 accommodations ONLY
G. Expert testifying. 

This consult is ideal for children who have already had comprehensive evaluations/report and treatment in the past and parents are satisfied with information originally presented.

Following the evaluation, families or school personnel will receive a written or grid-like Appointment Summary
that depends on the format most relevant to the child or student.

Per Service consultations are based on time and include a necessary 1 hour assessment review that includes development of the appointment summary. The average time in the office is two hours, but one hour appointments can be arranged.  The average time within the school is usually 2-3 hours, one hour observing the child and 1-2 hours consulting with school personnel.
Typical length of report: 2-4 pages plus relevant handouts, beginning strategies.

Fee:  Ranges from $210-300 per hour of time (Clinician dependent).

(3) School on-site evaluations.  SMart Center staff will present at the child's school, observe the child and meet with school personnel to discuss findings and suggest school based accommodations, interventions. If requested, our staff can be present for 504 and IEP meetings either at the school or via arranged teleconference. ** Similar to Per Service Consultation above. Fee based on professional performing and time spent traveling and evaluating at the school.

FEE: Begin at $200 per hour.
Min Fee: $370 + travel expenses to school.
Rate above includes evaluation of Brief-SM-CDQ (SM Comp.Diag. Questionnaire) and SM School Eval Form.
Additional fees apply to:
--Evaluate present IEP/504 or previous evaluations
--Written Report following visit.

(4) ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT Testing  (For established patients or new patients ONLY)
Primarily for 2-8 yr olds

Purpose: Academic testing to aid in proper school placement, development of IEP or 504 plan, to enable for a better understanding of child’s individual needs within the school setting to enable for academic success.
 
 Dr. Shipon-Blum now offers a nonverbal assessment tool to help assess:

· Cognitive skills
· School readiness
· Conceptual and basic skills

Results of the test correlate with IQ and academic level of achievement. Written Report will include:
- Specific areas of academic strengths weaknesses,
- Scores and Percentages (compared to other children)
- Assessment of anxiety level during testing
- Recommendations for school personnel, based on child’s reactions during testing and overall scores, to help accommodate child within the school setting.

Time for testing - 1 1/2 hours. Done on a separate day of initial or follow-up consultation (however, exceptions can be made where testing is done the same day as a consultation)
 
Parents provided with a written report with scores, percentages and recommendations.  

FEE: $500 (Done in accordance with initial consultation).


(5) Ask the Doc Consultations are a nonpatient consultation that is ideal for parents, school personnel or treatment professionals who are interested in a Question/Answer type consultation.

This format is ideal for:
A.  Parent are in active treatment with a local therapist but have unanswered questions or need general advice.
B.  School personnel who have specific questions related to a student with SM
C. Treatment professionals who are working directly with a child or teen with SM and are in need of advice on treatment strategies and direction.

The Ask the Doc format includes a the assessment of a brief questionnaire. There are no reports or summaries following the Ask the Doc consultation; however, relevant handouts to supplement consultation will be provided.  

The Ask the Doc consultation is not CHILD specific, but is clinician responses are based solely on what is provided not on the doctor or therapists assessment and evaluation

There is NO Dr-Patient relationship established with an ASK THE DOC consult.    
*For those interested in pursuing treatment at the SMart Center following an Ask the Doc consultation are required to undergo a full evaluation and assessment such as the Per Service or Comprehensive Package.

Fee:  $210-325 per hour.  30 Min consultations are available upon request. (Depending upon professional administering consult)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow-Up consultations
*Usually on a monthly BASIS.  

Includes the following:
 --> Unlimited E-Mail updates TO clinician from parent and/or teachers
(Clinician reads and files to use in preparation for upcoming follow-up consultation)
*Email correspondence requires signed parent waiver
**Additional fees apply to requested email feedback.  Refer to Email consultations
-->Evaluation of SM-Follow-Up Questionnaire (c) by parent(s)
*Submitted prior to consultation. Allows clinician to review and plan for upcoming consultation.
Please view link: http://www.drelisashiponblum.org/AllForms.html
-->Evaluation of SM School Evaluation Form (c) by school personnel
*Submitted prior to consultation. Allows clinician to review and plan for upcoming consultation.
Please view link: http://www.drelisashiponblum.org/AllForms.html
-->1 hour in person or teleconference consultation
-->Written appointment summary with recommendations for home/school.
-->Updated games/goals presented within summary and/or separately via chart(s).

 - Fee: $225-300/hr (Clinician dependent)
**30 min consultations available upon request. Cost: $180 or $60/10 min of time.
*In-person and Teleconference  **Contact office for fees for specific clinicians

Convenience Consultations: For Established Patients Only!
These are designated consultation time slots that are not routinely scheduled for but are for patients who have questions or matters to discuss in-between regularly scheduled appointments.  These appointments are on a first-come, first-serve basis and are booked no more than 2 weeks in-advance of an appointment slot.

Convenience consultations are usually for teleconferences, however, on special occasion, an in-person consultation can be scheduled. Time slots will vary from 10-30 min. OR, if time is available, longer time. ‘Convenience consultations' will be early morning slots beginning at 8:00 am.Afternoon or evening appointments are not available unless we have a sudden opening in our schedule.  We cannot make any exceptions to these time slots since other hours are for our regular appointment slots.  
Fees for this service are based on $60/10 min of time. 

Email Consultations: For Established Patients Only!
IF requested, Dr. E and associates WILL address your questions via email (with signed permission and waiver of confidentiality)
Similar to most other professionals, this is a billable professional service.
This professional service will include reading your email, developing a written response & filing in your patient file.   
The fee for this service is $60/10 min of time

School Evaluations- Fee based on professional providing service.
- In-person  evaluation of child within the school setting. Meeting with school personnel. * Includes evaluation of SM-CDQ and SM School Eval Form (c) from teachers. 
or
- Teleconference with school personnel (with or without parents present). *Includes evaluation of SM-CDQ and SM School Eval Form (c) from teachers. 

Real World exposure appointments:  Fee based on professional providing service
Experienced therapist/counselor/special education educator works with child and/or parents to help implement 'real world' strategies to help child become more social/communicative in public settings.   Provider accompanies child with/without parents to specific real world settings with goal of helping child accomplish planned strategies that were designed by treatment professional.

Medication Management (Med-Checks):
-20 min in length and includes evaluation of SM-Follow-UP Questionnaire (c), Physical Exam, discussion with parent/child regarding treatment response and medication tolerance.  FEE: $130   Additional time billed at: $60/10 min of time.

Additional Services: Fees based on professional providing but rates begin at $60/10 min.
- Letter or report writing/editing (i.e., Letters to teachers/school personnel about child's progress/issues, etc. Development of accommodation plans (504 plans, IEP's),
- Document reviewing (i.e. educational testing reports, school evaluations, IEP review/amendment, 504 plan review/amendment)
- Meeting preparation (Will inform patient if there is a charge for this service when a meeting is planned)
- In-person consultations at school for meetings, prehearings, hearings. Travel time is additional. 
- Scheduled telephone discussions with professionals regarding child. (IE, Specialists evaluating/treating child, physicians, psychologists, advocates, school personnel, etc)
- Chart development above and beyond typical appointment summary following an in-person or telephone consultation. 
- Reading detailed updates from parent, teachers and treatment professionals. 
- Requests for e-mail replies from Dr. E to ‘detailed' nonurgent questions that could otherwise be asked during a regular follow-up consultation

Note: PO's (Purchase Orders) from schools are accepted for ALL services. However, these must be submitted PRIOR to the service being performed.
Patients are ultimately responsible for services. If fee has not been received within one month of service being performed, Parent is expected to submit payment and then request reimbursement from the school directly.  Patients will be expected to sign an acceptance form stating their responsibility for payment.

NO fee applies to:
- Reading brief parent email updates about child’s progress. 
- Reading brief teacher email updates about child's progress.
- Child updating Dr. E or just writing to say 'hi!'
- Urgent or emergency phone calls from established patients (Please call our front desk call center at: 215-887-5748)
- Prescription refills (Fee will be charged if refill is requested due to one month over cancelled scheduled consultation).
- Template letters that we use for various issues.
- Email or phone call regarding brief clarification from a recent consultation.

Note: *Dr. E  and staff requests that you update them frequently by email about your child. Encourage your classroom teacher to also do so! 
Even just a few lines of information will help keep your clinicians up to date with your child’s progress. However, due to the doctors/therapists busy schedule they may not be able to respond to each of your emails. If you have specific questions, please contact our office directly at: smartcenter@selectivemutism.org or call: 215-887-5748

Above fees do not apply to:
Workshops/presentations
Additional available services

Suggestion: For questions regarding basic SM issues, we suggest maximizing your SMG~CAN member benefits!!
Log onto the SMG~CAN Website! IF you have forgotten your password, contact member services at: smg_can@yahoo.com
Please ask questions via the SMG~CAN forum!
Participate in chats!
Get involved in local or state support groups
Request a parent mentor or pen pal ( available for children as well)