Speech Scope Episode 25: Future-Ready SLPs: How Can Clinicians Embrace AI and Digital Innovation?

Dr. James Curtis, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, Director of the Aerodigestive Innovations Research Lab (AIR), joins host Sarah Baar, MA, CCC-SLP, for an insightful conversation that cuts through the noise of dysphagia rehabilitation. Together, they break down the critical distinctions between strength-based and skill-based therapy protocols and address common clinical challenges in structuring exercise programs. You will discover how to move beyond generic, one-size-fits-all exercise handouts by intentionally integrating the principles of strength training and motor learning into your daily practice. Tune in to elevate your clinical reasoning, optimize your assessment documentation, and walk away with actionable, evidence-based strategies for designing high-impact treatment plans.

Join clinical SLP and Bridging Voice therapist Abygail Marx, MS, CCC-SLP, as she sits down with host Sarah Baar, MA, CCC-SLP, to demystify the rapidly evolving world of voice preservation. In this conversation, we explore the clinical nuances between message banking, voice banking, and AI-driven voice cloning to help you determine the best “insurance policy” for your clients’ unique communication needs. You’ll gain actionable strategies for navigating sensitive counseling moments and practical tips for capturing high-quality recordings, even when a patient’s voice has already begun to change. Discover how you can empower your clients to maintain their authentic identity and social connections through these profound, life-changing technologies.

Join host Sarah Baar, MA, CCC-SLP, as she sits down with Heather M. Scheer, MS, CCC-SLP, a private practice owner and former AAPPSPA President, to discuss the major CPT coding transitions coming to medical speech-language pathology. Together, Sarah and Heather break down what clinicians need to know about replacing code 92507 with new timed, diagnosis-driven codes and navigating the proposed pediatric G-code. Discover how these upcoming shifts could impact your documentation, billing practices, and clinical routines, along with actionable steps you can take today to prepare your practice. Tune in to feel empowered, informed, and ready to navigate these reimbursement changes with confidence! Learning Outcomes Analyze the 2027 CPT coding transition for speech-language pathology treatment (including the structure of base and add-on codes, diagnostic categories, and timed requirements) to determine the impact on clinical billing and reimbursement Apply practical documentation strategies to accurately capture treatment minutes across specific disorder areas in preparation for new CPT coding requirements Solve complex clinical coding and billing scenarios by selecting the appropriate CPT/HCPCS codes, calculating timed units, and ensuring alignment with payer-specific documentation guidelines

Join host Sarah Baar, MA, CCC-SLP, and guest Dr. James Curtis, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, an expert in voice, cough, and swallowing disorders and director of the Aerodigestive Innovations Research Lab, for a deep dive into the critical role of cough in airway protection. Together, they explore how shifting our perspective from “swallowing” to a broader “airway protective” framework can significantly impact patient outcomes and pneumonia risk. You will learn how to implement clinically feasible, objective cough assessments—using simple tools like peak flow meters—to better categorize impairments and move beyond the “one-size-fits-all” approach of strength training. This conversation offers actionable strategies to help you differentiate between weakness and skill-based deficits, allowing you to tailor your rehabilitation plans for maximum clinical impact.

Dr. Amber Heape, ClinScD, CCC-SLP, CDP, joins host Sarah Baar to unpack some of the most common and controversial myths surrounding dysphagia management in residential care. Drawing from over two decades of clinical leadership and teaching experience, Amber and Sarah challenge long-held assumptions about compliance, patient choice, and what truly supports quality of life. Together, they explore how clinicians can shift from fear-based decision-making to evidence-informed, person-centered care. Tune in as we navigate the gray areas of dysphagia practice and explore what it really means to compromise for the sake of dignity and autonomy.