Speech generating devices are scientifically validated home medical equipment (HME/DME) for patients who meet ALL of the following criteria:

1.  Prior to the delivery of the speech generating device (SGD), the member has had a formal evaluation of their cognitive and language abilities by a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The formal, written evaluation must include, at a minimum, all of the following elements:

• Evaluation of current communication impairment, including the type, severity, language skills, cognitive ability, and anticipated course of the impairment; and

• An assessment of whether the individual's daily communication needs could be met using other natural modes of communication including gestural, speech, and/or written forms of communication; and

• A description of the functional communication goals expected to be achieved and treatment options; and

• A treatment plan that includes a training schedule for the selected device; and

• Demonstration that the member possesses the cognitive and physical abilities to effectively use the selected device and any accessories to communicate; and

• For a subsequent upgrade to a previously issued SGD, information regarding the functional benefit to the member of the upgrade compared to the initially provided SGD;

2.  The member's medical condition is one resulting in a permanent severe expressive speech disability, i.e., and impairment in the ability to produce natural speech adequate to meet functional communication needs; and

3.  The member's speaking needs cannot be met using natural communication methods, including gestural, speech, and /or written forms of communication; and

4.  Other forms of treatment have been considered and ruled out; and

5.  The member's speech disability will benefit from the device ordered; and

6.  A copy of the SLP's written evaluation and recommendation have been forwarded to the member's treating physician prior to ordering the device; and

7.  The SLP performing the evaluation of the member may not be an employee or have a financial relationship with the supplier of the SGD.

Only one speech generating device and/or speech generating software program at a time is medically necessary per member.