This change offers an opportunity to build your practice by serving this population. . After an SLPA demonstrates competence and reviews the initial treatment plan with an SLP, an SLPA can provide direct treatment to clients individually or. AVT). Please note that obtaining an NPI is not considered an automatic. In-House Billing Kit Speech-language pathologist (SLP) is currently ranked no. Owning a private practice allows SLPs to be entrepreneurial and make their own decisions about their schedules, caseloads, and target populations. Treat speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders. The following information has been developed to assist program directors and administrators in recruiting and retaining a highly qualified. Tue, Nov 28, 2023 at 3:00 pm EST. with Jena Castro-Casbon, MS CCC-SLP. Whether you’re building your caseload, or hoping to learn more from SimplePractice's community of Speech-Language Pathologists, below you'll find resources to support you at every step of your private practice journey. Specifically, SLPs in community health contexts were more likely to say they had a waiting list, while SLPs in private practice and education settings were less likely to have a waiting list. 5 Key Steps to Start a Speech Therapy Private Practice. D. This is especially so in locations with complex forms of insurance systems, like the U. Nearly one-fifth (19%) of SLPs are employed full- or part-time in private practice. One-on-one time with clients allows for the speech-language pathologist’s (SLP) undivided attention, more progress in shorter amount of time, and more practice time on target goals. TikTalk motivates children with speech sound disorders to practice longer and more accurately. It is critical for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to understand coverage. 0. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in private practice use screening and assessment tools. SLPs who own or co-own a private practice showed a 6-percent increase in their salary from 2013 ($72,798) to 2015 ($77,240), according to the survey. 4(2), reactivation of an inactive license to practice speech-language pathology, audiology or SLP-A may be obtained by: (a) Filing a completed Renewal Application for appropriate license (Audiology, SLP, SLP-A). Speech Therapist - Acute Care Flexi. ) Fear of litigation only adds to the challenge of advocating that a student exit services. [8,9] While the underlying physiological impairments of dysphagia and treatment exercises are similar across cultures, there is a need to understand and define practice patterns amongAs such, remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) codes were introduced to physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in 2022. Hannah at Cued Creative is an SLP who will guide you through the entire design process, as well as take. g. Bobbi Adams Brown, MA, CCC-SLP (she/her/hers) is an experienced pediatric speech-language pathologist with degrees in elementary education and speech pathology. The possible factors that may prevent SLPs from making ethical clinical decision were also explored. Email: [email protected] = speech-language pathologist. Some private practitioners work alone, and some own large practices that employ a large staff with different types. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is allowing SLPs to submit Medicare enrollment applications on or after June 2, 2009, and released requirements and. My son has had 4 private SLPs in NYC, they charge: $175 for 45 mins, in a practice in Williamsburg, 4-6 therapists. Candidates must: Possess a master’s, doctoral, or other recognized post-baccalaureate degree in the field from an ASHA-accredited institution. Con: Pay schedule. Performing the Screenings. The new codes essentially reflect smaller components of the original 92506, so SLPs should expect to see lower payments for each type of evaluation when compared with past payments for. Because of rounding, percentages may not total. We teamed up to jam-pack this DIGITAL Private Practice Handbook with all of the essentials, and none of the fluff. S. Editor's Note: This text is a transcript of the course, Healthcare Documentation, Coding and HIPAA Requirements: An SLP's Guide, presented by Melissa Collier, MS, CCC-SLP, CHC, CDP. Topics: Taxes and Expenditures, Common Mistakes, Hiring Practices, Business Growth, Management Tips, Marketing, Transitioning into Private Practice, Cash Flow Basics. These contacts and her breadth of experience. Aruna Hari Prasad; MA, CCC-SLP. The following CPT codes related to speech-language pathology services are added to Appendix P in 2023. Additionally, SLPs may: Prepare future professionals in colleges and universities. I just started my CF at a school and have picked up 2 clients for 3 30 min sessions each after school per week at. Of course it was not a surprise that 76% of these practitioners were based in school setting followed by 23% of practitioners in private practice. Here’s how SLPAs can help a private practice and give you additional time to practice at the top of your license, providing your highly skilled clinical expertise: Provide direct treatment. by dandy_ulien. website provides additional information regarding the MPFS,pathologists (SLPs) tend to determine their own practice protocols or extrapolate from clinical practice guidelines established in other countries. Audiologists and SLPs experience increasing demand to demonstrate the value of their professional services while managing challenging caseloads. 042). News & World Report’s 100 Best Jobs List,¹ and employment in this field is projected to grow 29% between 2020 and 2030. org or your ASHA state liaison [PDF] ASHA’s ethical standards: ethics@asha. On January 1, 2020, home health agencies (HHAs) will implement the patient-driven grouping model (PDGM) for Medicare reimbursement, which bases payment for patients with speech-language pathology needs on their clinical characteristics. Common link building strategies include content marketing, building useful tools, email outreach, broken link building and public relations. Find a Professional. Private Practice Regulations Released: SLPs Can Take 4 Steps Now to Enroll as Medicare Providers Kate Romanow. 01. Provider type: 23. To earn CCC-SLP certification, candidates must graduate from an accredited program, pass an exam, and complete a fellowship that lasts several months and is supervised by a certified speech-language pathologist. (a $997 value) 20 advanced forms. More articles by this author , MA, CCC-SLP. S. . Method SLPs in. . 21. Medicare policy specifically allows speech-language pathologists to use 97129 (cognitive function intervention, initial 15 minutes) and 97130 (cognitive function intervention, each additional 15 minutes) for treatment of cognitive disorders, but notes that either code 92507 or 97129/97130 could be used, but not both for the same treatment. Group Rule 4. Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) Clarksville Health & Rehab Center Clarksville, VA. . Join us online for our graduate open house on September 26-28. In both the private practice and medical settings, SLPs are frequently unpaid for any work that does not involve direct therapy with a client. 50 months) and worked in hospital, private practice, and education. These areas include work with students who are medically fragile; work with thoseYou raise a number of ethical and legal considerations. I’m a speech-language pathologist and consultant who loves helping SLPs and OTs build successful private practices. It is typically 150-155 characters long and gives a brief overview of what the page is about. If you’re in private practice—and you accept Medicare beneficiaries as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech therapist in private practice—then you provide services that fall. Building a successful private practice - the right way - is a BIG endeavor. Of the original 4,500 SLPs in the sample, 1 was deceased, 2 were retired, 14 had incorrect postal addresses, 39 were Nearly one-fifth (19%) of SLPs are employed full- or part-time in private practice. , clinicians working in private practice and school-board settings), 59 provided. Virginia ranks number 30 out of 50 states nationwide for Private Practice Slp salaries. 01. 3% reported the hospital as their primary work setting (PASP, 2020). School-based SLPs and special educators are substantial stakeholders in designing and delivering a provision of service to promote the equity, inclusion, and high-quality education of students with disabilities. Pamela Ching (Philippine General Hospital) believes that speech pathology students should realize the need for hospital-based therapists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020 audiologists enjoyed a median annual salary of $81,030, while speech-language pathologists were paid $80,480. “After only a few months I had 5 clients and secured a connection for even more referrals. ”. Pay: $35 to $47. According to the BLS, SLPs earn median hourly wages of $38. com. Quality Improvement for Speech-Language Pathologists. The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) of 2008 allows speech-language pathologists to enroll as a Medicare provider. SadTravel7354 • 1 yr. We offer coverage that gives you peace of mind to focus on your patients with premiums* as low as $60. Two previous However, where you practice (both setting and location) and how long you’ve been practicing does influence your earning power in the SLP field. . Obviously, this means I spend the day on the floor playing, which is so fun!SLPs in private practice may work alone and provide services to a special type of population or for a specific type of disorder. They can make your job easier, and you will get more carryover of goals when they are on your side. As of Nov 4, 2023, the average hourly pay for a Slp in Florida is $34. MS CCC-SLP. Despite the guidelines and research that. Dr. *p < . ago. slp kit This kit includes materials for SLPs in a clinic, school, or private practice to share when speaking to families about childhood apraxia of speech. 16 hourly) as of 2015 according to the state’s Department of Employment. This course provides SLPs with foundational knowledge needed to directly address and collaboratively support reading comprehension across all grade levels. Part of the decision to engage in telepractice involves staying up to date. AVT). Factors contributing to this shortage include features of the work environment, role ambiguity, low salaries, and a demanding workload with higher caseloads, which can. Collaboration is a driving force for a student’s educational attainment. Investment and Results. , 1995). Our speech-language pathologists in Edmonton are here to provide personalized services suited for the communication needs of your family. These episodes were recorded between June 2018 – Present. This is a great way to build backlinks! Just make sure you’re giving them unique. AVT is a Professor, speech-language pathologist, and a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS) Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist (Cert. 00 for Audiology, SLP, SLP-A or $300. The ultimate screening kit guide. I spent a few years at a private practice and have recently just started at a public school. They host an out-of-network mental health benefits checker—so no matter which insurance plan your dream client has, you can get your full fee—making Best Therapists. How do SLPs work and which clients do they work with? Pre-school and school ages are still a major target for SLPs. Whether you are an established private practice owner looking to scale your business and earn more revenue , or in the. The Role of the SLP in Culturally Responsive and Antiracist Practice. This billing practice is permissible as incident to physician services. How can SLPs help defuse the difficulty. Section 143 of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Provider’s Act of 2008 (MIPPA) authorizes the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to enroll speech-language pathologists (SLP) as suppliers of Medicare services and for SLPs to begin billing Medicare for outpatient speech-language pathology services furnished in. Each practice setting has its own considerations that influence the assessment process. 2. The document goes on to acknowledge that this exposes a wide range of potential practice areas. ASHA estimates less than 1% of members were required to participate in MIPS in 2022. Evidence-based continuing education and client engagement built for the challenges speech-language pathologists face working in private practice. Most SLPs where I live make 50-60k at most (peds school or private practice). We are more frequently expected to attend meetings, complete excessive amounts of paperwork, and provide classroom support and consultation for as many as 65 kids on. An SLP shares the questions—and answers—she asked herself when launching a part-time private practice. The speaker will address working with related professionals and interprofessional practice opportunities within and beyond the school setting to enhance student outcomes. Treat speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders. 1. KEY WORDS: stuttering, speaking rate, speech-language pathologist, knowledge, assessment SBut the difference between speech pathologist and audiologist salaries isn’t as big as you would expect based on the educational differences. Earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited. Here are some ways you can help yourself if you are a Tally Taker: Take your data sample at the beginning of the sessions. She runs a small private practice that provides voice and speech therapy to individuals on Central Vancouver Island. Other criteria for the services in the schools is the presence of an academic and/or emotional impact. Payment and coverage of speech-language pathology services related to the evaluation and treatment of cognitive impairments varies widely based on factors such as the patient’s medical condition, the payer, and the patient’s specific health insurance plan. We sought to elicit perceptions, attitudes, and practice patterns regarding post-stroke dysphagia management among SLPs in the United States. (a $1997 value) Customizing Your Forms Tutorial. and by private practice. the SLP’s roles and responsibilities, changing legal mandates and an expanded scope of practice for SLPs across settings has prompted a redefinition of work in the schools. A speech language pathologist may work in a variety of settings with a variety of duties and responsibilities. But keep in mind having your own clinic can come with a lot of costs: office rent. Of the latter group, 161 were contract employees. Additionally, since the school schedule allows. 5% of the speech-language pathologists work with these ages. ASHA SLP Health Care Survey Report: Practice Trends, 2015–2019 Page 9 of 10 ! Pressure From Employers or Supervisors, by Health Care Setting and Year Table 3. , psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, etc) obtain a detailed background information of the child’s early development and. Billing and Reimbursement. Now that you know the basics of telepractice, here’s how to choose a teletherapy platform for your practice: . Todd Houston, PhD, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. EST. , CCC-SLP. Standards of Practice. The composition of the Ad Hoc committee included ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and SLPAs with specific knowledge and experience working with/as support personnel in clinical practice in schools, health care, and/or private practice settings. Salaries for SLPs in South Carolina and Its Regions. Background and services provided: Kim is a registered Speech Language Pathologist Located in Nanaimo, BC. Individualize Attention:We’ve identified seven states where the typical salary for a Slp Private Practice job is above the national average. My private practice story started nine years ago. 6% of the respondents also do specialized care, such as fluency, AAC, etc. Medicare Administrative Contractor for final rates and coverage guidelines. 0 SLPs in the sample, 157 opted out, 83 had unusable email addresses, and 196 were not. According to the Schools Survey, the median academic-year salaries for clinical service providers in schools, by facility type, is as follows: Preschool: $67,000. ”. The answer: Private practice settings should continue direct supervision of PTAs providing RTM, citing a section of the rule requiring direct supervision of PTAs in private practice settings across activities. This on demand webinar equips SLPs working in private practice. Course: #10763 Level: Intermediate 1 Hour. SLPs work across a variety of settings — home visits, schools, businesses, private practices, medical settings, and rehabilitation centers. These SLPs and private practice owners will present recorded sessions and participate in live video chats during the conference. A lucky provision in the MIPPA legislation gives SLPs the ticket. 69 (25th percentile) to $40. ASHA SLP Health Care Survey Report: Practice Trends, 2015–2021 Page 6 of 22 Pressure From Employers or Supervisors In 2021, overall, 58% of SLPs reported that they had not felt pressured by an employer or supervisor to engage in clinically inappropriate activities in the last 12 months—down from 68% in 2019 (seeAccording to the BLS, SLPs earn median hourly wages of $38. org. SLP Happy Hour is a podcast for caring SLPs who want more calm. I was working as a speech-language pathologist in a nonpublic special education school for students with language-learning disabilities and co-teaching a summer reading program at a different private school. Schedule a Consultation Private Practice SLP Know Better to Grow Better. Individualize Attention:Therefore, RTM must either be furnished directly by a qualified healthcare practitioner (i. 23, 2009. Updated. North Carolina is working to finalize a mandate for SLPs in our licensing law to always screen hearing or refer to an audiologist in all age groups in advance of speech, language, or cognitive linguistic evaluations. She has written two books: The Guide to Private Patients and The Guide to Creating a Web Presence for Your Private Practice. SLPs can diversify from a standard face-to-face, timed model by utilizing one or many of the following strategies: telepractice, public. Preferred Practice Patterns: Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Patient demonstrations, 3D models, and animations. These settings include hospitals, private practice, college/university speech pathology clinics, public school systems, nursing homes, and more. The 1997 ASHA guidelines for hearing screening by speech therapists discusses when SLPs should screen hearing and how to screen hearing, but state laws do not mandate the guidelines. Keep current with technical developments as you do with other technology. More articles by this author , MA, CCC-SLP. One of the best ways to market your practice and increase your caseload is to offer screenings at daycares and private preschools. We also offer an extended payment plan at $197 per month for 12 months. How to choose a website hosting service, design service, and domain for your private practice website. APTA asked CMS that question, and the agency responded directly to the association. The study examined (a) types of AAC that SLPs reported using (i. , PT, OT, or SLP) or by a therapy assistant under the direct supervision of a PT, OT, or SLP. Previously, the Medicare program could only pay SLP services if an institution, physician or nonphysician practitioner billed them. Educational Facilities. Use the referring domains and pages graphs in Ahrefs’ Site Explorer to quickly identify spikes in your backlink profile. It defines the job of certified speech language pathologists (SLPs) in the United States—what they do, where they work, and how they help patients. g. I noticed many SLPs out there charging obscene amounts of money for a guide on. CMS also publishes extensive resources to help clinicians providing telehealth services to Medicare beneficiaries. Predictor Variables The type of school where SLPs were employed was related to seven of the opportunities (see Appendix Table B1), and geographic area was related to four of them (see Appendix Table B2). Using the correct Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code for group and concurrent treatment will affect your reimbursement for group and concurrent therapy. This includes tasks like coordinating care with other clinicians, writing documentation, communicating with family members, attending staff. ***p = . This work has evolved out of many years of conversation with SLPs from all over the world engaged in global practice. ASHA’s Medicare outpatient payment. Since Medicaid programs are heavily state-regulated, each state's program will vary. The schedule is very specific. Improve Lives. Grab a white-board and just make general notes (ie: 730-9 IEP Meetings, 9-11 Testing, 11-12 Programming AAC. 1% – one of the fastest rates in the entire United. And since speech codes are untimed (same reimbursement no matter how much time is spent with the kid), PP owners usually implement 1 hour blocks for Evals. We are talking all about how school SLPs and private SLPs can collaborate to set up the best plan of care possible for the child/family. The findings of previous studies of SLPs' clinical management from the United States (e. 030). Remember, clear, consistent, and concise are words an SLP should keep in mind when writing a SOAP note. SLPs who want to start or grow a speech therapy private practice. After the initial 90-day period, the minimum recommended requirement is 20% supervision, at least 10% of which is direct. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are essential professionals in every health care setting-acute care, rehabilitation, pediatric, and psychiatric hospitals; long term care; outpatient facilities; and home health. m. In my experience, insurance rules everything (qualifying standardized scores or bust). If you or your clients become infected with COVID-19, you can’t uphold that ethical obligation. There’s a lot of people to serve. Adhere to all applicable state laws and rules regulating the practice of speech-language pathology. What Is ASAPP? ASAPP is Alberta’s Association of Private Practice Speech-Language Pathologists. Access to Materials: SLPs have immediate access to all of the materials, tools and props needed for a successful therapy session. ASHA Career Portal:. If you are going to offer free screenings, though, make sure to streamline everything to make it worth your time as well. I was an SLP-Assistant for 5 years and went on to get my masters and become an SLP. 92521 Evaluation of speech fluency (eg, stuttering, cluttering)Understanding how SLPs practice, what challenges they face, and what supports they value is critical to developing appropriate policies, practices, and future research questions that can best maximize positive outcomes for children and families. ASHA Career Portal: Private Practice. It effectively bypasses damaged inner ear hair cells to deliver a signal to the brain, which is then interpreted as sound. 3. Speaking of cash flow, your income might be inconsistent in private practice. Experienced speech-language pathologists in the top 10% eraned an average of $128,211 ($61. The Standards of Practice define the minimum level of professional performance that SLPs and audiologists are expected to demonstrate to ensure competent, safe and ethical practice. The professional roles and activities in speech-language pathology include. This AEA covers a large region—6,369 square miles—serving 53 public school districts and 30 accredited private schools. Keep it catchy. The CMS fee schedule, while helpful because you can look up fee information for your MAC (Medicare Administrative Contractor- the local administrative area covered by your CMS branch) by CPT code, isn't the be-all-and-end-all since their rates tend to be on the low. Pay: $35 to $47. You have your EIN and NPI, and you're credentialed with a few insurance plans. I get it varies by location and setting, but there’s no negotiating against a school district with a tiered system for salaries. BCBAs must hold a master’s or doctoral degree in behavior analysis or an educational degree with specific coursework in education or psychology. Register today. 25 Hourly. An SLP shares the questions—and answers—she asked herself when launching a part-time private practice. The technology gap between the public and private sectors is a main factor that impacted the service provision of many SLPs. S. , while 8. 987%) more than the national average hourly salary of $43. . The SLPA scope of practice includes a variety of treatment activities. Here are 10 challenges to the profession of pediatric speech-language pathology that SLPs persevere because of their devotion to helping others. 28) Stop to breath for just a second. The clinic's director, Pam Drennen MS CCC-SLP, has over 25 years experience and manages this growing practice with 13 speech and language pathologists. The NPI is a prerequisite for Medicare enrollment. Typically, payers will not allow a second reporting of the same code,. However, as with any new CPT code, there is a considerable learning curve clinicians must undergo before they feel comfortable incorporating them into their practice. Effective January 1, 2019, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) included audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). Select a name for your speech therapy private practice that’s relatively short (2 to 3 words) and that will be easy for your clients to recognize. ” In working with SLPAs though, it is important that SLPs follow all statutes and regulations, including those covering ethics, recordkeeping, supervision, and welfare of clients. I started my practice 3 months after completing my clinical fellowship. A brief Telehealth and mobile app demo. R. An SLP performing an AP evaluation should use code CPT 92523, the code for a speech sound production and language evaluation. Hi all, I'm a second year grad student in my final (!) clinical placement, and doing home-based EI/ private practice and am wanting some advice. A shortage of qualified school-based SLPs continues to persist in the United States. S. Make sure to include any extra fees when making your calculation. Hi, current private practice SLP who is actively working on going back to schools. WebPT. These are responsibilities that the SLP cannot delegate to anyone. , occupational therapist). Additionally, owning a private practice allows SLPs to reap the benefits of their hard. 88% 13% age salary e Student's home Note. I work at a small private practice in Canada. You can arrange treatment and agree on the billing terms in as little as 15. 4. But an ASHA survey of school-based. Group Rule 3. If you only accept private pay, clients who pay out of pocket will often choose to submit a superbill to their insurance company to try to get some of. Backlinks Criteria: Maintain a Domain Rating (DR)/Domain Authority (DA) ranging from 25 to 75. SLPs play a central role in the screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Tbh the stress of schools is worth it for the shorter hours and the consistent, predictable breaks. Enrollment will allow SLPs in private practice to bill Medicare and receive direct payment for their services. SLPs who have gone to private practice are unlikely to return to the traditional field of law. Part B covers doctor’s services; PT, OT, and SLP outpatient therapy services; and other outpatient care and supplies not covered under Part A. ASHA 2019 SLP Health Care Survey: Survey Summary Report 3 Workplace 2. After a quick search I found no examples specifically for SLP’s. Purpose School-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are responsible for providing services to about 55% of students with disabilities in the school setting across the nation. Articulation Game Boards. I know that some SLPs have been successful with charging a nominal fee ($10-$20 per screening), but I have not found that to be the case in my area. This may seem like a dumb question but. Lynn Williams. To begin, these are the 5 things you must have to start a private speech therapy practice: A business name. We Help Speech Pathologists. In fact, according to the U. Cost: $30/month. SLP Pay/Benefits are terrible. They collaborate with physicians and health care professionals from a multitude of disciplines. There is evidence supporting SLP–CT collaboration on enhancing outcomes for students with speech, lan-guage, and communication needs (SLCN). I will be graduating in July and have been searching for jobs in the private practice setting for my CFY. You'll find her online in the SLP. Surveys from Australia and the United Kingdom show high clinical consistency in SLP tracheostomy management, and that practice follows guidelines, research evidence and protocols. Sparta, New Jersey. 85. Here is a look at the average pay that you can expect as an SLP. See full list on dysphagiacafe. (NPPs), physical and occupational therapists in private practice. A. Hourly pay is common in speech-language pathology, even for full-time employees. The ASHA scope of practice is an official policy document of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) open_in_new, covering the breadth of practice in speech-language pathology. Not sure if I should switch to another private practice or try the schools. The SLP scope of practice includes counseling families “regarding acceptance, adaptation, and decision making” (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2007), and thus, SLPs may. Speech Pathologist Salary Texas 2. CMS offers more information on the NPI, including a general overview and how to apply. , physicians, private therapy practitioners, social service agencies,. This seems like a good rate. However, therapy assistants who. SLP respondents from New Zealand (n = 6) reported the longest waiting times (M = 8. Speech-language pathologists or SLPs are involved in the prevention, identification, and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. Federal laws enforce collaboration among IEP teams to cultivate. Most screenings are pass/fail with recommendation for further evaluation. I’ve had a few therapists ask me about writing S. . The range was from 8% of SLPs in pediatric hospitals to 21% of SLPs in home health agencies or clients’ homes (p = . Casbon, MS CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist, private practice consultant and founder of The Independent Clinician. The Medicare program allows "auxiliary personnel" (non-physician employees and independent contractors) to bill under a physician's provider number. You may have noticed there were actually more cons listed above, but for me, the cons were weighted much less in importance than the pros. Policies. Most SLPs in private practice start out as solo practitioners, but with success comes growth. And the day clicks through like that. professional development goals. A proven framework to getting started in private practice, working on your own terms and taking control of your future. Re-read your contract. Purpose: Low retention of school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is a growing problem that can have drastic consequences at the school and student levels. Some private practice owners prefer to hire workers as independent contractors in an effort to avoid some of the costs associated with employees: Social Security and Medicare taxes, unemployment compensation tax, workers’ compensation insurance, overtime pay, and benefits (vacation, holiday and sick pay).