Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you only provide parent/caregiver training?

Using the parent/caregiver training model, therapeutic-style interactions can be had outside of scheduled therapy hours. The initial investment of the initial parent/caregiver training creates a foundation of all interactions to be had in the future. This creates consistency in your child’s routine and supports the acquisition of skills. Not only does this assist the family in achieving progress, it cuts down on costs of continuing therapy. By providing caregivers with training, the costs of continuing 1:1 services are much less than taking a child to a clinic or paying for therapists to come into the home. As most families are on a budget, continuing services with these other high-cost models can put a strain on the family. Homebuddy provides an initial “download” of information to set the family out on the right foot and continuing education to maintain and improve the caregiver’s skills in interacting with and raising their child.

My child does not have a diagnosis but has some behavioral challenges. Can we get services?

Yes; as Homebuddy is a self-pay practice, we are not at the mercy of insurance companies. We can work with anyone, with or without a diagnosis.

So your methodology is heavily influenced by ABA. That’s a treatment for autism, right?

No; ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) has been researched with people of all ages with and without various diagnoses. ABA is the science of behavior applied to real-life situations. ABA is widely used for individuals with autism, but it is not for autism exclusively. If you’re alive, you behave, and therefore ABA applies!

Why In-home and Community based services?

Because that is where you live. There are perks to having services provided in a clinic-based program and that is a great option if that is the type of services that your family would like to access, but Homebuddy believes that programming and coaching provided in the environment that the family will be living in, creates the most sustainable change. In ABA, “programming for generalization” is a top priority. That means that at the outset of treatment, thinking about how the client will use the skills being taught in a variety of “real life” situations. When receiving services in a natural setting, we have the opportunity to work with you and your child on responding to things that come up organically, and that’s how real life is.

I don’t live in the Houston, TX area. Can you still work with us?

Yes; Homebuddy will travel to work with your family. Please contact us to chat about services outside of Houston, TX using the subject line, “Service outside HTX” and stating your hometown in the message. We provide online coaching sessions as well. Just reach out and we can find a way to help!

My child goes to other therapies, can we still work with you?

Yes; Homebuddy will need information in regards to your case manager at the agencies you work with in order to make sure that we can collaborate effectively. A release of information form will need to be filled out in order to ensure that our privacy practices are met appropriately.

Do you take insurance?

Homebuddy is unable to process insurance at this time. Over the many years that Sophia has been working with families, she has seen many families get denied the help that they desperately need because of insurance. By not working with insurance, Homebuddy is able to work with any family, with or without diagnoses, without being beholden to insurance constraints.

Good Faith Estimate Notice

 

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

If you don’t have insurance or don’t intend to use insurance to pay for scheduled non-emergency health care services, federal law requires that health care providers and facilities provide you with an estimate of the expected charges for medical items and services at least 1 business day before the scheduled services are to be performed.

  • If you are uninsured or not using insurance to pay for your health care services, and receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

Any client may request an estimate of the expected charges for non-emergency health care services that have been ordered, scheduled or referred and state law requires that health care providers and facilities provide you with an estimate of the expected bill for medical items and services within 5 business days of the request.

  • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected charge of any nonemergency items or services. This includes related charges like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

  • If you request an estimate and the actual charge for the health care services exceeds your Good Faith Estimate by the greater of: (i) $100; or (ii) 5%, we will provide a written explanation as to why the charges exceed the estimate.

  • Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

To receive a Good Faith Estimate, please call Sophia at 716.982.9096 9 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday. If you cannot call between these hours, you may call and leave your question on our voice mail.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, you can visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises/consumers