How to refer to an independent audiologist

General Practitioners

Private patients -  referral is best practice to establish communication pathways.  Patients of all ages can be seen by audiologists to identify and treat auditory and related disorders.

Medicare - Chronic Disease Management - place audiologists on teamcare plans for chronic conditions commonly associated with hearing loss - such as diabetes, degenerative neurological conditions, Meniere's Disease, Otosclerosis  and persistent middle ear pathology.  Eligible Australians of all ages can be referred to by GPs.

Hearing Services Program -   Individual voucher holders can decide which provider they wish to consult from information supplied by the Hearing Services Program.    Independent audiologists contract to the Office of Hearing Services and can provide services that are fully subsidised through the voucher scheme to eligible pensioners and Department of Veterans Affairs.

NDIS - independent audiologists are providers of therapeutic supports under the NDIS and can provide hearing devices, counselling and communication training for all ages and types of hearing and balance disorders.

Medical Specialists (ENTs, Paediatricians, Neurologists)

Private patients -  referral is best practice to establish communication pathways.  Patients of all ages can be seen by audiologists to identify and treat auditory and related disorders.

Medicare - ENTS and Neurologists can request audiology procedures to assist the diagnosis of cause of hearing disorder.  Assessments and reports will be submitted to the medical specialist.  Paediatricians can refer for assessments under the Medicare Better Start programme.