§ 14133.16

(a) Notwithstanding subdivision (l) of Section 14132, hearing aids are covered when supplied by a hearing aid dispenser on prescription of an otolaryngologist, or the attending physician where there is no otolaryngologist available in the community, plus an audiological evaluation, which shall be performed by or under the supervision of the attending physician or by a licensed audiologist.

(b) Prior to prescribing a hearing aid, a physician or otolaryngologist shall perform a complete ear, nose, and throat examination.

(c) Prior to coverage, a hearing aid assessment shall be performed by the dispensing practitioner, either a physician, a licensed audiologist, or a licensed hearing aid dispenser acting within the scope of practice as described in Section 3306 of the Business and Professions Code.

(d) Coverage shall be based on the results of the examination, evaluation, and assessment required by this section.

(e) One hearing aid assessment within a 12-month period is a covered benefit. In the event the beneficiary receives more than one hearing aid assessment within a 12-month period, Medi-Cal shall reimburse the first valid claim received by the program for only one hearing aid assessment unless additional assessments are deemed to be medically necessary.

(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 704, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2003.)