Look at What We've Accomplished Together 2010–2011
ASHA...Working With You
Advocacy
- Developed speech-language pathology Medical Review Guidelines for claims review, policy development, and coverage advocacy
- Created ASHA Coding, Reimbursement, and Advocacy Modules—an online, no-cost narrated slide program of eight modules of basic billing, coding, documentation, and advocacy
- Convinced CMS to include questions on speech-language pathology services for an assessment tool used to collect data in outpatient therapy settings
- Became a member of a National Association of Insurance Commissioners working group and assisted in the development of coverage documents and standardized definitions
- Had laryngeal function studies added to the list of Outpatient Rehabilitation Codes in the Medicare Claims Processing Manual—enabling SLPs to bill for the procedure independently without physician supervision
- Oversaw the introduction of Hearing Aid Tax Credit in both the House and Senate, passage of Medicare Therapy Cap Exceptions Process, and passage of the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act
Improving Coverage and Reimbursement
- Reviewed over 1,000 legislative bills and over 200 regulations to safeguard members' services
- Provided more than $45,000 in personnel and reimbursement grants to 11 state associations
- Convinced the U.S. Department of Justice to review the ACT testing accommodation policies for individuals with communication disorders
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| ASHA staff member Andrea "Deedee" Moxley, SLP, spoke to associates at the 2011 Schools conference. |
For the Professions
Strengthening the Professions
- Provided mentoring opportunities for more than 115 students and 105 emerging scientists preparing for research careers in communication sciences and disorders (CSD)
- Developed five evidence maps and conducted 25 evidence-based systematic reviews
- Implemented a S.T.E.P. (Student to Empowered Professional) Program Winter Session enrollment period, which allowed the participation of 80 additional students from primarily racial/ethnic minority backgrounds
- Developed nearly 50 products, documents, and web resources on professional and clinical issues for SLPs
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| "The King's Speech" won four Academy Awards on February 27, 2011. |
Raising Awareness About the Professions
- Developed audiology-based downloadable patient education handouts and consumer-friendly public web pages
- Coordinated major media outreach in response to the nationwide success of Oscar-winning movie "The King's Speech," which resulted in stories in publications such as The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post Express, and ABC.com
- Through the Listen to Your Buds campaign, staged more than 20 Listen to Your Buds concerts that entertained tens of thousands of elementary school students in the Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC, and Philadelphia areas and garnered national media attention from outlets such as The Washington Post, Radio Disney, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and National Public Radio about the need for children to use personal audio technology safely
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| During the "Listen To Your Buds" concert on June 15 in Washington, D.C., two-time Grammy winner Bill Harley entertained and educated the crowd about wearing ear buds. |
- Distributed information to hundreds of media markets and conducted media interviews with member experts providing the keys for understanding autism and sharing tips for communicating more effectively with children with autism
- Forged alliances with major collaborators such as the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, the Consumer Electronics Association, the Recording Industry Association of America, the National Association for Music Educators, the Music Teachers National Association, and the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts to promote the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology
- As part of a Spanish language outreach initiative, ASHA members participated in radio and in-studio interviews regarding early warning signs and tips for parents about language development
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| ASHA member Dr. Howard Goldstein spoke at the Grant Review and Reviewer Training event, Aug. 9–11, 2011. |
For a Better Tomorrow
Providing Tools You Need to Succeed
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| The redesigned ASHA Leader Online. |
Helping You Stay Connected
ASHA Makes a Difference!
- Nationally recognized certification
- Access to the latest research
- A proven track record on critical legislative and regulatory issues at all levels of government
- Professional consultation with staff experts
- Latest knowledge and information from fellow CSD professionals
- A wealth of online resources
- Tools for marketing our professions to consumers
- Access to robust continuing education
- Unparalleled networking opportunities
- Participation in building the positive image of the professions
- Improved patient outcomes
- National standard for academic program accreditation
- Rigorous ethical standards
- Opportunity to impact the future of the professions through grants and scholarships
- A place to enhance leadership skills
Learn more—go to the Value of ASHA.
Get Involved and Make a Difference!
- Be a lifelong member of ASHA...renew annually!
- Get involved—join a committee, Special Interest Group, or your state association.
- Support the ASHA-PAC and ASHFoundation.
- Become a mentor and encourage others to enter the professions.
- Network and become a lifelong learner.
- Promote yourself and the professions in your community.
Renew your membership online! For further information, or if you have any questions, please contact the Action Center at 800-498-2071.