Speech -Language Pathologist

Under the administrative direction of the Director of Rehabilitation Services and clinical supervision of the Speech-Language Pathologist II, functions as a member of the Speech Pathology Department. The Registry Speech-Language Pathologist provides differential clinical evaluations, plans and implements comprehensive treatment and participates in the discharge planning process for patients, ages (0 to 100+).  Treatment intervention shall be provided using appropriate training, equipment, and supplies and based on sound principles of treatment and with the well-being of the patient considered foremost. The Speech Pathologists I will comply with all HIPAA regulations regarding privacy and confidentially. All services are provided in accordance with the Illinois State Practice Act and guidelines established by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association

These duties are to be performed in a highly confidential manner, in accordance with the mission, values and behaviors of Insight Hospital and Medical Center.   Employees are further expected to provide a high quality of care, service, and kindness toward all patients, staff, physicians, volunteers and guests.

• Evaluations are conducted in a polite and courteous manner with special consideration given to the dignity of the patient and confidentiality of the information

• Determines the differential diagnosis for inpatients and outpatients, through review of the case history, medical information, administration of appropriate tests, and clinical observations.

• Determines prognosis and formulates recommendations.
• Refers patients to appropriate sources for additional assessment

• Presents findings of evaluation to physician, patient, family, significant others and professional staff in a confidential manner.

• Provides re-evaluation of patients to determine progress.

• Schedules outpatient evaluations as appropriate.

• Prepares functional treatment plans for all patients

• Establishes realistic/achievable treatment goals/objectives.

• includes patient and family/significant others in establishing goals/objectives.

• Determines comprehensive program for remediation with regard to specific communication, cognitive and/or swallowing disorder(s).

• Projects number of treatment sessions and/or probable duration of treatment in accordance with type and severity of disorder.

• Prepares sufficient documentation to allow other clinicians to treat the patient

• Prepares communication/cognition and dysphagia evaluation reports, including prognosis, goals and recommendations.

• Prepares letters of referral to be dispensed to appropriate professionals, physicians and agencies.

• Maintains daily progress notes that include treatment techniques, progress, functional status, frequency and duration or treatment.

• Prepares appropriate monthly status reports for Medicare, HMO, private insurance and Medicaid patients.

• Obtains required certification/re-certification, pre-authorization paperwork

• Prepares discharge summary upon conclusion of treatment.

• Closes case folders within 5 working days after discharge.

• Enters charges on a daily basis.

• Provides information relative to communication and swallowing disorders through in-service training to nursing, physicians, medical students or other interested hospital personnel.

• Participates in educational programs within the department.

• Promotes departmental development through participation in current case staffing’s, review of recent literature and materials and suggestions with regard to alteration of departmental policy and procedure.

• Plans, develops and presents in-service programs.

• Provides clinical lectures to Master level students in Speech-Language Pathology.

• Participates in continuing education activities outside of Insight Hospital as required by the state regulatory office.

• Professional Development

• Participates in professional local, state and national associations.

• Remains aware of current developments related to communication and swallowing disorders through attendance of professional conferences and review of recent literature.

• May pursue research study.

• Consults to Insight satellite facilities and other programs as directed.

• Adheres to Insight and professional Code of Ethics.

• Treats all information with confidentiality in accordance with HIPPA

• Maintains professional dress and behavior.

• Assumes other duties as assigned.