Direct Access: The Evolution of Hearing and Balance Health Care in the 21st Century

ABSTRACT

For services performed by the audiologist to be recognized as a covered benefit, Medicare currently requires its beneficiaries to see a physician first to evaluate for medical necessity and obtain physician referral. This creates barriers for many patients who defer hearing and balance health care because they find the process cumbersome. Eliminating the need to see the physician first would remove a hurdle for the Medicare patient. Direct access provides a safe and cost-effective manner for the Medicare beneficiary to access hearing and balance health care.

Long-standing successful direct access programs are in place that serve as models for Medicare to follow. Evidence-based data have proven that patients appreciate and benefit from being able to see the audiologist first. Implementation of direct access can be achieved either by legislative or regulatory methods. Patient safety is a priority. Collegial audiology and physician relationships assure positive patient outcomes. Partnering between the audiology and physician communities will facilitate the securing of direct access.

KEYWORDS

Direct access - Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) - audiologists - legislative initiatives - Medicare reimbursement

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