Frequently Asked Questions
Does BMS offer speech-language screenings?
BMS Pediatric Therapy Group offers free 15-minute initial screenings. A speech-language pathologist will then determine if a comprehensive evaluation is necessary based on your child’s specific areas of need.
Do you offer teletherapy?
Yes! BMS offers teletherapy services for families located anywhere in Illinois. Click here to learn more about the benefits.
Who is responsible for verifying insurance benefits?
It is important to review the health care benefits provided by your insurance carrier. Contacting your insurance company directly will provide you with an excellent source of information about your specific health care coverage. As a courtesy, BMS will conduct a verification of coverage on your behalf; however, each family is responsible for verifying and reporting changes to insurance coverage. It is important to ask about exclusions and coverage limitations as it relates to speech and developmental evaluation and treatment. The information that you obtain will assist with understanding what services are covered, the submission of claims, reimbursement, and patient financial responsibility. Listed below are helpful questions to ask your insurance carrier to help determine coverage.
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Is pre-authorization required for speech and/or developmental therapy services?
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What are the co-payment, deductible, and co-insurance requirements?
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Is there a yearly benefit limit?
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Are there any exclusions as it relates to coverage for speech therapy?
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Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive list of all questions to ask nor is it a guarantee of coverage. All benefits are contractual between the user and his/her insurance carrier.
Does BMS accept private insurance?
BMS accepts the following insurance plans:
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (PPO)
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UnitedHealthcare (PPO)
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Cigna (PPO)
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Aetna (PPO)
Does BMS offer a fee for service model?
Yes. Families who opt-out of the utilization of insurance benefits can pay out of pocket for evaluation and treatment services. Contact us at info@bmstherapygroup.com for more information.
What protocols have been established to protect staff and families from COVID-19?
The health and safety of our families and colleagues are of importance at BMS Pediatric Therapy Group. The following is an outline of the precautions BMS Pediatric Therapy Group has in place in response to COVID-19:
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Employees or patients who appear to have symptoms (i.e., fever, cough, or shortness of breath) or who become sick during the day should immediately email info@bmstherapygroup.com.
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All patients and caregivers will be screened prior to the appointment to understand if there is any exposure risk. If the guardian answers “Yes” to any questions, they will be asked to cancel their session until further notice. Thermometers will be used to check for fevers at the beginning of therapy services.
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Parents will be required to verbally attest that, within the last 14 days, the child and immediate family have NOT had:
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any COVID symptoms
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a positive COVID test
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contact with anyone with symptoms, anyone who has tested positive for COVID, or anyone who is waiting for results of a COVID test.
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Children and therapists will be required to wash hands with soap and water before and after each session. Sessions will be scheduled in a way that allows for each therapist to clean therapy materials.
Billing & Insurance
We are currently in-network providers for speech therapy with the following insurance groups:
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (PPO) • UnitedHealthcare (PPO) • Aetna (PPO) •Cigna (PPO)
BMS Pediatric Therapy Group is committed to serving our families and children throughout Chicago. We believe every child deserves access to quality speech therapy, and we will work with clients who plan to seek out-of-network reimbursement.​