Audiology Furnishing Certain Diagnostic Tests Without Physician Order

Starting January 1, 2023, audiologists can furnish certain diagnostic audiology tests without a physician or non-physician practitioner (NPP) order using the AB modifier:

  • Covered once per patient per 12-month period
  • Limited to non-acute hearing conditions
  • Excludes services related to:
    • Disequilibrium
    • Hearing aids
    • Exams for prescribing, fitting, or changing hearing aids

Tips when you bill with the AB modifier:

  • Document good faith efforts were made to provide services for non-acute hearing conditions without the order of a treating physician or NPP so that the claim won’t deny if you unexpectedly discover an acute condition
  • You can leave box 17 A & B (name and NPI of the referring provider) blank or incomplete

More Information:

Resource: MLN Connects March 16, 2023

Last Updated Apr 14 , 2023