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Frankfort, Ky. – During the AuDacity 2024 Conference, the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) announced the launch of the Audiology 2050 Initiative, laying out a bold vision for audiology’s future. With patient well-being at its core, the Audiology 2050 roadmap aims to solidify the role of audiologists as primary care providers for auditory and vestibular conditions, advance professional standards, modernize audiology’s scope of practice, and enhance patient care through novel and innovative education, workforce, and care delivery models.

Recently, it has come to the attention of ADA that some confusion exists over numerous coding and reimbursement topics. We are attempting to offer some clarity and documentation supporting the expressed positions.

Audiology services are classified as “other diagnostic services” and we, as a profession, are classified as “suppliers”. As a result, we are subject to the rules outlined in sections 80.3 and 80.6 of Chapter 15 of the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual. Limited audiology services can be provided once per 12 months without an order and the AB modifier can be used. When Medicare patients are seen for services that require an order, the order is required for each incident of care. Standing orders, for example, are not allowed with our class of Medicare provider. There is actually evidence of negative consequences for use of standing orders in audiology: https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/enforcement/pennsylvania-audiology-practice-agrees-to-voluntary-exclusion/.

The Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) Nominating Committee is charged with the responsibility to identify candidates who are well suited to lead ADA into the future, through service on the ADA Board of Directors.

After a thorough examination of all nominations, the Nominating Committee is pleased to present the following candidates for the offices of President-Elect and Director-at-Large (two Director-at-Large positions open):

AuDacity will feature two great advocacy sessions, designed to advance ADA’s mission to advance practitioner excellence, high ethical standards, professional autonomy, and sound business practices in the provision of audiologic care.

On May 29, 2024, ADA submitted a response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) request for information (RFI) seeking input from the public regarding various aspects of Medicare Advantage (MA) data.

On May 29, 2024, Maryland SB 795 and HB 464 officially became law, making Maryland the most recent state in the union to fully align its audiology practice act with the education, training, and qualifications of audiologists practicing in the State.

Join us in Grapevine, Texas, September 5 - 8 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Conference Center for AuDacity 2024! Acquire practical knowledge and valuable resources from seasoned professionals, connect with colleagues in the field, and enjoy a great time! Make sure you can attend our Pre-Conference workshops!

Attention ADA Students—Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to create your own destiny? Do you have an interest in private practice ownership or audiology clinic management?

If so, it’s time to get down to business and get prepared for the ADA 2024 Student Business Plan Competition. Submit your intent and two-page Business Snapshot by April 29th.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering some providers the opportunity to accelerate and advance their Medicare payments. It is outlined in the fact sheet available at https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/change-healthcare/optum-payment-disruption-chopd-accelerated-payments-part-providers-and-advance. Each Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) offers their own process for applying for this program. You can locate your MAC at https://www.cms.gov/mac-info.

Recently, Cigna Healthcare, Amplifon Hearing Health Care (AHHC) and ADA became aware that some hearing aid manufacturers are paying providers rebates to encourage the use of the manufacturer’s devices for managed care patients. Rebate amounts are based on technology tiers and providers are paid a higher rate for recommending premium hearing aids.