Reader Questions:
Check With Payer for AuD Credentialing
Published on Thu May 10, 2007
Question: The February 2007 Otolaryngology Coding Alert article on billing audiological diagnostic tests states that audiologists should have a Medicare provider number and bill the diagnostics codes. Does this apply to only Medicare? Do private payers now credential audiologists?
Iowa Subscriber Answer: Unlike the Medicare program in which audiologists (AuD) have independent provider status, private-sector third-party payer policies vary based on plan and state. So not all plans credential audiologists -- some do and some do not. For instance, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota doesn't credential audiologists.
Best bet: To find out for certain, inquire directly with the respective plan.