Insurance Plans and Appointments
Many health insurance plans, HMO’s and Medicare covers diagnostic audiology services. The first step is for the patient to contact their health insurer to determine if Dr. Brady is an in-network audiology provider. Dr. Brady is an approved provider with most plans and accepts Family Care and Medicaid HMO plans.
In cases where a primary care physician (PCP) referral is required, the patient needs to obtain a written referral prior to the first consultation with Dr. Brady. We prefer to schedule appointments by telephone since it allows our patient care coordinators, Elaine and Zenaida (Z) an opportunity to discuss the patient’s reason for scheduling, provide information and directions to our offices. Hours are by appointment only Monday through Thursday and alternate Saturdays (East Brunswick). For our Spanish speaking patients, Zenaida is fluent in Spanish. In cases where the patient does not speak English, we prefer to have a friend or family member accompany the patient.
A word about Medicare and Personal Sound Amplifiers
Medicare B will cover diagnostic testing for a hearing loss, dizziness or tinnitus when ordered by a physician. Medicare does not and never has covered hearing aid costs, nor does it cover other necessary items such as eyewear and dental. Some patients erroneously believe that Medicare pays for hearing aids if they have a Medicare Advantage plan. While some coverage may be available, it is often through mail order or internet hearing aids that Dr. Brady has determined are not in the best interests of patients that need professional care.
Likewise, personal sound amplifiers are advertised extensively in newspapers and magazines, especially publications that are targeted to senior citizens. Many of the advertisements claim the “no hearing test is needed” or that the devices are “just as good as the expensive hearing aids”. Although these ads are tempting, the devices rarely if ever meet patients’ expectorations.
Patients that believe they have a hearing loss should consult with an audiologist certified (CCC-A) by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association before considering the purchase of hearing aids.