Semin Hear 2021; 42(02): 165-174
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1731697
Review Article

U.S. Policy Considerations for Telehealth Provision in Audiology

Anna Marie Jilla
1   Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
,
Michelle L. Arnold
2   Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Campus, Sarasota, Florida
,
Erin L. Miller
3   School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

The demand for telehealth services will continue to grow alongside an increased need for audiology services among both children and adults. Insurance coverage policies for audiologic services are specific to each payer and vary widely in the level of coverage provided for both in-person and telehealth-based audiology services. While benefits for children are fairly comprehensive, coverage for audiology services for adults is generally poor. Traditional Medicare does not cover hearing aids or other rehabilitative audiologic services, and other payer policies vary widely. Lack of benefits for hearing and balance services is inconsistent with the evidence base and leaves many beneficiaries without access to meaningful care for hearing and balance disorders, which are highly prevalent among and disproportionately affect Medicare beneficiaries. The purpose of this article is to discuss regulatory and reimbursement considerations for telehealth provision in audiology and elucidate opportunities to influence related health policy at both state and federal levels.



Publication History

Article published online:
02 August 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA