Proposals appropriate for submission to this topic will cover all aspects of dispensing and managing an audiology practice in any setting. Proposals of special interest to the reviewers and highly encouraged in this topic category for 2024 will be those topics that include: billing, coding and reimbursement including specific issues related to managed care; co-morbidity screening and referral within audiology initial and follow-up visits; the utilization of trained assistants; and ethical issues in audiology practice. Additionally, buying and selling practices, and business ethics in audiology practice. It is anticipated that audiologists may be particularly interested in the integration of PSAPS and OTC products into their practice given the legislative changes of 2022.

The topic area committee encourages proposals related to unique and innovative practice management and service delivery including those specifically related to telehealth/virtual hearing health care. Interprofessional education, practice, and/or research that addresses the implementation of interprofessional competencies within curricular or practice models or the evaluation of collaborative care outcomes for the practice of audiology should be included in this topic area.

Research

Translational, applied, or implementation research related to business practices and management issues

Professional Education

• Hearing aid dispensing
• Over-the-counter hearing devices/aids
• Business efficiency strategies
• Practice development
• Buying and selling a practice
• Business ethics
• Utilization of assistants and support personnel
• Marketing and consumer relations
• Budgeting and financial management
• Legislative advocacy
• Government regulatory and compliance issues
• Risk management and quality control
• Business metrics
• Legal Issues including expert witness testimony

Related Topics

Proposals that include this topic but have a primary focus on:

• The use of telepractice in the delivery of service that include technology-based approaches and outcomes at the system level should be submitted to Telepractice topic area.