Are there any exemptions to the Optional Benefits Exclusion (OBE) policy specifc to audiology services?
Yes. In addition to the exemptions as noted in FAQ#2 of the OBE: FAQs – General category, the following Medi-Cal benefits are not impacted by the OBE policy: • Beneficiaries with a cochlear implant will continue to receive necessary services related to the cochlear implant. • Hearing aids, hearing aid accessories and batteries. Please note that hearing aid batteries are only covered for EPSDT eligible beneficiaries. • Newborn Hearing Screening Program services • “Most claims for excluded optional benefit services billed by a physician or physician group remain reimbursable on or after July 1, 2009.” Does this mean that a physician who employs an audiologist or a speech pathologist can bill for their work under the physician’s billing ID? A: No. The rendering provider must be a physician.
