How do you follow best practices in Audiology?
If they’ve never heard of best practices, or cannot enumerate them, it’s best to move on. You won’t be receiving optimal care from this provider. Evidence, or research-based audiology are things like “Verification software” or “RealEar”. Also procedures like Electroacoustic analysis, or functional needs analysis are applied. Cognitive screenings as well as dexterity screenings should be included.
Do you offer unbundled pricing?
This allows transparency of what is being charged. This allows you to see that you are receiving the evidence-based audiology listed in #1. You don’t want to pay for services you won’t receive do you? This is what bundled pricing will offer you.
How soon can you offer me an appointment (for any service)?
Also can be asked: When (not if) your device stops working, or you are clogged with wax, you will need an appointment to be offered withing 72 hours. (We offer scheduled appointments within 72 hours)
How many manufacturers do you offer?
What you want to hear is 5 or more. Any other than “all major manufacturers” is cause for concern. How can you offer the best choice to your patients if you’re not open to all heraing aid manufacturers. Are you biased against one or another? Are you unwilling to learn the nuances and the additional programming details of ALL manufacturers?
What is your return process?
Industry standard is 45 days or more. Be certain that the office does not “retain” a fitting fee, in the event that devices are returned. Do you want the office to keep a 10% fee of thousands of dollars, if the devices don’t work for you? Here’s the real rub- if you don’t get good answers for questions 1-4, chances are that there will be a return, and they have the nerve to charge YOU for it by retaining a fiiting fee!
