Services Q&A
All your questions about how DSC services work, answered.
Services:
Q: What services does DSC offer?
A: DSC offers comprehensive, lifespan services for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, spanning early childhood through adulthood. Some services are also available to individuals with other disabilities, including Yoga for All, Birth-to-Three Parent and Me Therapy Group, Education Allies, Addressing Behavior and Creating Community (ABCC) and Turning Teen. DSC has regular events and opportunities for families to connect with each other as well!
Q: How do I get started with services?
A: To get started, contact Megan Kidder at megan@dscpugetsound.org with any questions about our programs. Before beginning services, you'll be asked to complete a pre-registration form to help us determine which program is the best fit for you or your family member.
Q: Where do services take place?
A: All regularly scheduled services are held at our Seattle campus. Family Consultations can take place either virtually or at our campus. DSC events may be held at other locations.
Q: Once I’m enrolled in a semester of services, will I automatically be enrolled for the next semester?
A: No, enrollment is not continuous. If you are registered for one semester, you will need to re-register for each following semester. We cannot assume ongoing participation, so it's important to complete the registration process each time to ensure your spot is reserved.
Q: Why do I need to re-register each semester?
A: Our staffing, scheduling, and planning are based on confirmed enrollment each semester. Requiring registration each term ensures we can provide appropriate support and maintain quality of service.
Q: Will I be notified when it’s time to register for the next semester?
A: Yes, we will send out reminders and registration details prior to the start of each new semester. Be sure to check your email and our website for updates.
Q: What is the difference between your therapy services and programs like Skill Building or Family Consultation?
A:
Therapy Services are available for individuals ages 0 and up. There are no restrictions on the types of goals that can be addressed. DSC is an out-of-network provider, and clients may request a superbill for potential insurance reimbursement. Therapy services are available through private pay or scholarship.
Skill Building is designed for individuals ages 4 and up. Goals must align with DDA’s Life Skills service, and DDA Life Skills funding is accepted. Private pay and scholarships are also available.
Family Consultation is focused on supporting parents or caregivers. The individual with a disability does not participate in the session. These consultations provide education and guidance from DSC staff on specific topics that align with DDA’s Staff and Family Consultation service. This service accepts DDA funding and also offers private pay and scholarship options.
Out-of-Network Provider/Insurance:
Q: Is DSC in-network with any insurance carriers for therapy services?
A: No. DSC is now an out-of-network provider for therapy services and does not bill or coordinate directly with insurance carriers.
Q: Can I still use my insurance to get reimbursed for therapy services at DSC?
A: Possibly. Clients may request a monthly superbill to submit to their insurance company for potential reimbursement. However, reimbursement is not guaranteed. It depends on your insurance plan’s out-of-network benefits. It’s your responsibility to check with your insurer about coverage and you must provide DSC with a doctor referral prior to services beginning.
Q: What does it mean that DSC is out-of-network with insurance?
A: Being out-of-network means DSC does not have a contract with your insurance company. We do not bill insurance directly, and services may not be covered or reimbursed at the same rate as in-network providers.
Q: What are the requirements to receive a superbill?
A: Clients must pay the standard session rate set by DSC. Sliding scale rates are not eligible for superbill documentation. A doctor referral must be provided to DSC before services begin.
Q: What is a superbill and how do I get one?
A: A superbill is a detailed invoice you can submit to your insurance for out-of-network claims. DSC can provide a superbill upon request if you pay the standard session rate (sliding scale rates are not eligible).
Q: Does DSC help with insurance claims or billing?
A: DSC does not bill insurance directly but can provide superbills for you to submit. We recommend keeping records of your sessions and payments for your insurance claims.
Q: Whose responsibility is it to verify insurance coverage?
A: It is the client’s responsibility to verify whether they have out-of-network benefits. DSC cannot guarantee reimbursement for the cost of services.
Q: Which DSC programs offer superbills?
A: Therapy services is the only DSC program that can provide superbills for insurance purposes.
Q: How do I verify out-of-network coverage with my insurance?
A:
Call the customer service number on your insurance card.
Ask: “Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient speech-language therapy services and/or occupational therapy?”
Ask what percentage is reimbursed and what the out-of-network deductible is.
Confirm whether a superbill with CPT codes is sufficient for reimbursement.
Request instructions for where and how to submit claims.
Be sure to document the name of the representative and the date/time of your call for your records.
DDA Funding:
Q: Can I use DDA funds to pay for DSC services?
A: Certain DSC programs accept DDA funding. However, use of DDA funds requires confirmation of available funding and goal approval by your DDA case manager before services can begin. Additionally, fund requests must be submitted (via pre-registration) prior to DSC’s deadlines
Q: What happens once my DDA funding is approved?
A: Once funding is approved and DSC is notified, those funds are committed for the specified period. Reallocating funds mid-semester is not allowed.
Q: How does DSC bill DDA for services?
A: DSC will bill DDA according to the services and amounts listed on the client’s approved Request for Approval (RFA) paperwork.
Q: Which DSC programs accept DDA funding?
A:
Respite funds: Select summer camps, select play groups, and Yoga for All
Life Skills funds (previously known as "specialized habilitation"): Skill Building and DSC’s Adult Program: Friends Learning Together
Staff and Family Consultation funds: Family Consultation