What does a speech-language pathologist do?

When people see one

• Your child is late to talk or hard to understand.
• A stroke or injury affected your speech or swallowing.
• You have a voice problem that does not go away.

How it differs

Audiologist: An audiologist tests hearing and fits hearing aids. A speech-language pathologist treats speech, language, and swallowing.

Occupational therapist: An occupational therapist works on daily tasks. A speech-language pathologist works on communication and swallowing.

On 2027 Colorado plans

Do you need a referral? Plan filings list referral rules only for specialists. Some plans need a doctor's order or prior approval for this care, so check the plan's summary of benefits.

What a visit costs (the plan's filed "Rehabilitative Speech Therapy" benefit, in network, before any extra savings on silver plans):

• Bronze: $100 to $140 a visit on 10 of 56 plans; on the other 46, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
• Silver: $10 to $90 a visit on 31 of 58 plans; on the other 27, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.
• Gold: $25 to $90 a visit on 12 of 30 plans; on the other 18, you pay toward your deductible or a share of the bill.

In-network care costs less. Out-of-network visits on an HMO or EPO usually aren't covered except in an emergency.

Compare 2027 plans and prices

In Colorado

Public records list 4,075 speech-language pathologists at 2,147 Colorado locations. Colorado shows 7,187 active licenses of this kind, including people who don't see patients or work out of state.

• Denver County: 332 locations
• Arapahoe County: 261 locations
• El Paso County: 259 locations
• Jefferson County: 228 locations
• Douglas County: 189 locations
• Boulder County: 164 locations

Counties with the fewest: Rio Grande (1), Prowers (1), Ouray (1), Custer (1), Crowley (1). 14 counties have none.

Questions to ask the office

• Are you taking new patients?
• Do you bill my 2027 plan? Which plan and network name do you use?
• How many visits does my plan cover, and do I need a referral?
• How long is the wait for a first appointment?