Before You Sign Third-Party Payer Provider Contracts

Over the last several years, the audiology community has seen the growth of third-party involvement in the hearing aid reimbursement process. These programs are being offered by traditional commercial payers and their subsidiaries, Medicare and Medicaid contractors, government entities, worker's compensation programs, and third-party administrators. As a result, audiologists and audiology practices are being presented with numerous opportunities to be involved as providers of care in these programs. When reviewing health insurance third party payer contracts, the audiologist or practice should consider each opportunity carefully and not assume that all are good for audiology or the particular practice.

The Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) have collaborated to offer important factors practitioners should consider before signing any agreement with third-party payers.

For further questions or assistance, please contact your national associations:

Lisa Satterfield
Director of Health Care Regulatory Advocacy
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
lsatterfield@asha.org

Deb Abel
American Academy of Audiology
dabel@AUDIOLOGY.org

Kim Cavitt
Academy of Doctors of Audiology
kim.cavitt@audiologyresources.com