Helpful Information
About Working with The Language Literacy Doctor
Billing & Insurance
The Language Literacy Doctor currently accepts Tricare East Select and Prime. Benefits and pre-authorization will be determined before your first evaluation visit. Typically, only speech-language therapy is covered by insurance.
I do accept private pay clients and offer "superbills" for families to request out-of-network reimbursement from their private insurance companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know if my child needs speech, language, or reading intervention?
There are a number of "red flags" to look for when it comes to speech, language-based learning disabilities, and reading disabilities. You can find information about dyslexia here and information about language disorders and disabilities here. It might also be a good idea to check with your child's teacher about whether he/she has concerns with your child's language or literacy skills.
Does my child have dyslexia?
A comprehensive language and literacy evaluation is required to determine whether a child has dyslexia.
My child already gets intervention at school. Should I also pursue private services?
School-based services are different than private services in many ways. For example, children in the schools must qualify for special education under a specific disability and the disability must negatively affect academic functioning. Often private therapy can be appropriate for supplementing school-based services, or providing intervention when a child does not qualify for school services. To find out more about the differences between private and school based services, you can click here.
What is the connection between language and literacy?
Language is the way we communicate verbally; literacy is how we communicate on paper. Many aspects of language form the foundation for literacy. In school, children with communication disorders are more likely to struggle with literacy skills. They often perform poorly in school, have problems reading, and have difficulty understanding and expressing language.
Why should I see a speech-language pathologist to treat my child’s dyslexia?
Given the important and critical role that oral language development plays in learning to read and spell, SLPs are ideal professionals to work with children who have dyslexia. SLPs are trained in the following areas that affect learning to read, spell, and write:
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Oral language comprehension and use (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics)
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Phonological processing, including phonemic awareness
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Articulation (speech sound production)
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Letter/sound knowledge
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Word-finding difficulties
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Emergent metalinguistic awareness
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Narrative discourse
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Short-term memory
Why should I choose Dr. Conca to treat my child’s language-based literacy disorder?
Dr. Conca has over 36 years of experience as a Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist and reading specialist in a variety of settings including schools, outpatient clinics, clients' homes, and in private practice. Dr. Conca is trained and uses the Orton-Gillingham approach which is a multi-sensory based approach to reading intervention. She also uses ‘Reading with TLC’ which is a nationally renowned, researched-based, and clinically proven reading program. Dr. Conca also uses Programs from Vivido Learning (Brain Frames, EmPOWER, Unlocking Sentences) to help organize written language.
How long will my child need therapy?
Treatment plans vary based on the child, their strengths and needs, and desired outcomes. Your child's treatment plan will be discussed with you, in detail, after the initial evaluation session.
How much does therapy cost?
Therapy costs may vary based on length and frequency of sessions and also by which skills are being targeted. Parents will be provided with this information during initial consultations and after an initial evaluation is completed.
Will insurance cover testing or intervention?
Dr. Conca currently accepts Tricare East Select/ Prime and Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance. If Dr. Conca does not accept your insurance plan, she can provide you with the labels and codes necessary to file for reimbursement on your own. IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Speech/Language assessments and therapy may be covered under your insurance policy. Please contact your insurance company to check on your coverage. Reading assessments and intervention are not typically covered by insurance and need to be paid out of pocket.
Where will services be provided?
Dr. Conca provides services in her office and via Teletherapy.
What ages do you work with?
Dr. Conca works with children ages 2-18 years.
