Is AAA Thwarting Efforts for Audiologists to Obtain Professional Autonomy, as Some Claim?
The American Academy of Audiology (AAA) is, by far, the largest professional organization in Audiology, but the much smaller Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) is gaining members at a record pace. According to ADA, the group has gained more than 120 new members this year. A probable cause of this sudden growth in ADA…
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American Academy of Audiology Issues Dithering Response to Direct Access Bill
After what was, by several accounts, a contentious membership meeting to discuss the Audiology Patient Choice Act, the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) issued the following statement: The Academy strongly supports streamlining access to audiology services and being recognized and reimbursed for performing our full scope of practice under the Medicare program and across…
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Recent Reports Bring Audiology & Hearing Aids into National Spotlight
On April 21st the FDA heard several hours of arguments both in support and against recent PCAST guidance on the deregulation of hearing aids in order to improve affordability and accessibility for consumers. A broad range of experts, including audiologists, physicians, scientists and consumer advocates presented data to support their respective view of the possible…
Read MoreAudiology organizations clash over federal legislative strategies
This post was updated on June 27. By David H. Kirkwood WASHINGTON, DC—The major professional organizations in audiology are more divided now than ever over which federal legislation will best support their members’ ability to serve Medicare beneficiaries. In past years, the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), and,…
Read MoreReport spells out case for giving Medicare patients direct access to audiologists
By David H. Kirkwood WASHINGTON, DC—Consultants commissioned by the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) calculate that allowing Medicare beneficiaries direct access to care from an audiologist would reduce costs by $173.3 million over the next ten years by eliminating duplicative audiological services and unnecessary evaluation and management services. In its report, “Determining Potential…
Read MoreDirect access to audiologists would save Medicare megabucks, AAA study finds
RESTON, VA—A study commissioned by the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) has found that giving Medicare beneficiaries direct access to audiologists would save Medicare about $240 million over 10 years. In a message e-mailed to AAA members on November 7, Deborah L. Carlson, PhD, president of the academy said, “This compelling and comprehensive study shows…
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