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If you've ever struggled with hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, or balance issues, you know how life-changing hearing healthcare can be. But getting access to these services can be a headache when you need a doctor's referral to see an audiologist.
Well, get ready for some good news: a new bill aims to make audiology services more accessible for Medicare patients, with no referral required! As an audiologist, I'm excited to think about the new possibilities for patients, caregivers, and families. Let's dive into what this bill means and how it could revolutionize hearing healthcare.
Background
Introducing the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act, a game-changer proposal that was introduced in May 2021. This bill is all about adding audiologists to the Medicare program as practitioners who are reimbursed directly for their services, meaning you can go directly to them for reimbursed services. No more waiting for a referral from another healthcare professional. Under this bill, you can seek audiology services on your own terms at any certified Medicare facility. That's what we call progress!
In the general population, an estimated 20% to 56% of adults experience dizziness or vertigo, according to the NIH. As we age, these conditions become more common. Additionally, a condition called BPPV is one of the most common forms of vertigo. While a bout of room-spinning vertigo can be disconcerting or anxiety-provoking, the good news is that it is usually easy to treat with a simple repositioning maneuver. Audiologists are well-trained in identifying and treating this condition. The problem is that the current system creates barriers to accessing their services. That's where this new bill comes in.
Hearing loss and tinnitus are also common in the general population and become more common with age. An estimated 50% of adults 75 and older have disabling hearing loss. A comprehensive hearing evaluation is an essential first step toward treatment.
What would the bill include?
The bill defines audiological services as any services in an audiologist's scope of practice that Medicare currently covers. Basically, any audiological service that Medicare currently covers would fall under this bill. For example, both hearing and balance evaluation or treatment of balance issues. This means that if you have hearing concerns, dizziness, vertigo, disequilibrium, or tinnitus, this bill opens up the doors to easier access to audiology services.
What would this new bill change for patients?
Let's break it down with an example. Meet Mr. Smith. He's been struggling with hearing difficulties, and he's finally ready to take action. He calls up an audiology clinic to schedule an appointment, but uh-oh, he needs a referral from his primary care doctor first. The problem? The doctor is booked solid, and Mr. Smith may have to wait weeks just for that referral. Mr. Smith may also need to pay a co-pay at his PCP appointment. In the end, it will cost time and money before he can set up that audiology appointment.
This new bill would cut out the primary care step, reducing the time before Mr. Smith can see an audiologist for hearing evaluation and treatment. Additionally, let's imagine Mr. Smith telling the audiologist during his visit that he has been feeling dizzy lately. Rather than returning to his primary care for another referral for testing to evaluate his dizziness, the audiologist can perform a vestibular evaluation, and Mr. Smith can start feeling better sooner. The result is less back-and-forth before arriving at the correct diagnosis and treatment. It's a streamlined process that puts patients first.
In short, this bill slashes the waiting time and paperwork for Medicare patients to get the services they need. Now, doesn't that sound like music to your ears?
Does this bill include hearing aids?
Unfortunately, the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act doesn't cover hearing aids or over-the-counter devices. But keep hope! There's another bill in Congress that could change that. The H.R.5376 Build Back Better Act, introduced in 2021, would include hearing aid coverage under Medicare. It didn't pass this time, but the conversation is far from over and may be included in future bills. So stay tuned!
What could this mean for the future?
This bill is an encouraging development for Medicare-aged adults since it makes it more convenient to receive audiology services. As the average patient waits years from hearing loss onset until seeking services, reducing any barriers, we can helps reduce wait times or paperwork necessary before diagnosis and treatment. Many facilities and professionals have a waitlist to get an appointment due to relatively fewer providers compared to the number of patients needing services. So, this bill could cut through some of the red tape to having a hearing evaluation, diagnosing dizziness or imbalance, or treating common forms of vertigo.
Additionally, this bill could highlight and draw attention to the importance of audiology services. This will potentially help further the discussion around hearing aid coverage through Medicare. Though it's too early to say if this will happen for sure, it's still a step in the right direction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act could be a game-changer for seniors with hearing difficulties who need audiological services. If it passes, it will broaden access to independent hearing care for millions of seniors in America. This is a huge win for people with hearing difficulties or dizziness, who can get peace of mind knowing they can get help when needed. Overall, it's essential to stay informed on this bill and continue the conversation around hearing healthcare to ensure everyone's hearing needs are met regardless of income.
