Chatterbox Policies

Client Sick Policy

  • If a child has a cough (that’s not constant) and/or congestion with NO fever, they can attend their regularly scheduled therapy sessions as long as there is no known COVID exposure. We will recommend that the child wear a mask for therapy.

  • If a child has a runny nose with a slight cough but NO fever, they can attend their regularly scheduled therapy sessions as long as there is no known COVID exposure. We will recommend that the child wear a mask for therapy.

  • If a child has experienced vomiting/diarrhea in the previous 24 hours, he/she will not be allowed to attend their regularly scheduled therapy sessions.

  • An individual diagnosed with impetigo or strep throat may return to school or work after taking prescribed medication for 24 hours.

  • An individual diagnosed with pink eye and other potentially communicable conditions may return to school or work according to their health care provider’s instructions.

  • If a child has a fever (100.4 degrees or higher), he/she will not be allowed to attend their regularly scheduled therapy sessions until fever-free for 24 hours.

  • A healthcare provider note/excuse may be required for return to therapy.

  • If the parent/guardian feels that the child should stay home, a telehealth session will be offered. If the child cannot complete a telehealth session or the parent chooses not to have the child participate in a telehealth session, the session will be counted as a cancellation.

  • If a child attends their regularly scheduled therapy session and is lethargic or cannot complete therapeutic activities due to illness symptoms, we will escort them back to their parents and end the session early (at the discretion of the therapist).

Attendance & Cancellation Policy

Consistent attendance is essential for your child to make progress in therapy.

Missed appointments limit progress and prevent us from offering services to other families.

  • Key Expectations

    • 80% attendance is required

      • Calculated over the most recent 12 scheduled sessions

      • Tracked separately for each therapy discipline

      • No-shows count across all disciplines

    • All cancellations count, regardless of reason  **see Excused Absence exceptions below

    • 3 no-shows = discharge from services

    • Arriving 10+ minutes late may result in the cancellation of the session

    • Texts regarding attendance status are sent when attendance is <80% and/or two no-shows

    Cancellations & Make-Ups

    • A cancellation = notifying us that your child will miss a session

    • A no-show = missing a session without notice

    • Make-up sessions are encouraged, and:

      • Must be scheduled promptly

      • Missing a make-up does count against attendance

    Therapist Cancellations

    • If your therapist is out, your child may see a different therapist

    • If coverage is not available, the session will not count against your attendance

    Excused Absences

    The following will not count against attendance if at least 1 weeks’ notice is given:

    • Surgical procedures and recovery time (dependent upon surgery)

    • Up to 2 planned absences per year (vacation, pre-scheduled events)

    Please note:

    • Any additional absences will count as cancellations

    • Less than 1 week’s notice = the cancellation counts toward attendance

    • Excused absences do not apply to no-shows

    IMPORTANT

    Therapy works best when your child attends therapy consistently and on time.
    If attendance falls below expectations, the following options will be reviewed with you:

    • Moving to the flex schedule to allow more options for your family, or

    • Being removed from the schedule until consistent attendance is possible

Financial Policy

Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy Center is 100% therapist owned and operated. We use our entire pool of resources towards the growth and development of our clients’ skills.  These resources allow us to hire and maintain highly accomplished and trusted therapists as well as provide an ideal office environment and location for our clients’ comfort and convenience.  Our professional motivation is to provide superior services to help our clients succeed at each of their individualized goals. 

Important Insurance and Payment Information 

By signing this agreement, you, hereinafter referred to as “Signer,” acknowledge that you are financially responsible to Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy Center, hereinafter referred to as “Chatterbox,” for all services, and goods, provided under this agreement, further you are agreeing to the following: 

1.       If a client/parent has commercial insurance and/or Medicaid; co-payment(s), co-insurance, and deductibles are patient responsibility and due at the time of service.  According to Idaho law co-payments cannot be waived.   

2.      If a client/parent is on the private pay fee scale, payment is due at the time of service unless a different arrangement has been made with our client account specialists.  

3.      If a client/parent fails to provide insurance information to Chatterbox, Chatterbox will ‘back bill’ insurance 30 days. Any outstanding balance will be the responsibility of the client/parent. 

4.      For convenience, our clinics accept cash, checks, debit cards and most major credit cards. There is a $35.00 fee for all returned checks.  

5.      All balances are due at the time of service or once monthly (per the credit authorization form). Any unpaid balance greater than 60 days past due will be reviewed and turned over to a collection agency.  

6.      Should your account be assigned to an outside collection agency, the client/parent will be responsible for any legal fees.  

All service codes may not be covered by commercial insurance/Medicaid; if the client’s specific diagnosis/therapy is not a covered benefit under your chosen health plan, the service costs incurred will be client/parent responsibility.  

**IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ AND CONFIRM YOUR BENEFIT PLAN** 

Services may be terminated for violation of this agreement. 

Telehealth Policy

Chatterbox offers telehealth therapy services. Idaho Medicaid does cover telehealth services. Other insurances will need to be consulted on an individual basis to determine telehealth coverage. The initial evaluation and annual evaluations will occur in person. Telehealth frequency will be agreed upon between the parent and therapist.

Chatterbox attendance & cancellation policies apply to telehealth services. If the therapist feels that your child is not benefiting from this service, telehealth may be terminated, and therapy may continue in-person at the clinic. To switch from a scheduled in-person session to a telehealth session, the parent must inform the clinic at least 2-3 hours ahead of time. The appointment will be cancelled if the child cannot attend in person. A telehealth session may be cancelled or end early if there are significant distractions or technical issues (including poor internet connection).

Client Consent to the Use and Disclosure of Health Information for Treatment, Payment, or Operations

As part of my child’s services, Chatterbox Pediatric Therapy Center(CB) originates and maintains paper and/or electronic records describing my child’s service history. 

This information serves as:

  • A basis for evaluation and therapy treatment.

  • A means of communication among the many health professionals who contribute to my child’s care.

Chatterbox has a Notice of Privacy Practice that provides a more complete description of information uses and disclosures.  A copy of the Notice can be requested as desired.  Parents/Guardians have the following rights and privileges:

  • The right to review the notice before signing the consent.

  • The right to request restrictions as to how my child’s information may be used or disclosed to carry out treatment, payment, or therapy sessions.

Please contact us at (208) 466-1077 (M-F 10-4) or contact@boisechatterbox.com for any questions.