Abstract
Traditional approaches to unbundling hearing aid services often take existing bundled
charges and then separate the charges across all potential services associated with
dispensing the devices. However, this method results in every patient being charged
the same amount even though the complexity of the service varies across patients.
We describe a model of charging for hearing aid services that takes into account three
elements associated with patient services (i.e., assessing hearing status, audiologic
decision making and interpretation, and counseling and treatment options) and two
levels of complexity (straightforward and complex). Using this approach, there is
negligible long-term financial impact on a practice however patients will perceive
a lower overall cost for amplification. Additionally, this approach provides a payment
structure more representative of the professional value of each visit.
Keywords
Value - audiologist expertise - patient complexity - reimbursement - unbundling
