Audiology Connections - 2021 - 4

ASHA AUDIOLOGY-HERE FOR YOU 

ASHA's Government Affairs and
Public Policy (GAPP) team has been
leading ASHA's advocacy work.
Together we have advocated for
audiologists' access to the COVID-19
vaccine as essential front-line workers.
We have advocated for access
to personal protective equipment
(PPE) and safe work environments,
promoted the ability to provide
audiology services remotely, worked to
encourage payers in recognizing the
importance of good communication
for improving patient outcomes, and
much more. Did you know that the
GAPP team can assist with coding and
reimbursement? You can reach ASHA
representatives at reimbursement@
asha.org. The GAPP team supports
member needs at the state and federal
levels.
We know that many of you have
faced challenges with employment
furloughs, job losses, and struggles
to access the PPE and safety supplies
that you need to continue practicing.
Additionally, we recognize and
applaud the inspiring resiliency
and the irrepressible spirit with
which audiologists have risen to the
challenges of the pandemic-adapting,
stretching, learning, and finding new
ways to " keep calm and carry on " to
serve students, patients, and clients.
We look forward to safer, healthier
days ahead.
Be well, and take good care,

Tricia Ashby-Scabis,
AuD, CCC-A, Director,
Audiology Practices,
ASHA

4 

ASHA Audiology Resources
ASHA Audiology staff provides
individual consultations via email or
telephone to
❚	 members,
❚	 consumers,
❚	 students, and
❚	 other professionals.
In 2020, we received about 500
inquiries. The overarching theme was
COVID-19, as people faced many
challenges. Here are the top three
topic areas:
1.	Professional issues. This was the
number 1 topic, with more than 100
inquiries. During the pandemic,
some audiologists were asked to
perform tasks not within the Scope
of Practice in Audiology (SOP),
such as taking patient temperatures
and blood pressure. As a result,
ASHA received questions about
permissible duties within the SOP
and whether employers' requests
that audiologists perform duties not
within the SOP were ethical and
reasonable.

2.	Audiology amplification. This
was the number 2 topic. Queries
about COVID-19 included issues
about service provision, both
in-person and via teleaudiology,
and infection control protocol for
the clinic.
3.	School-related topics. This was
number 3. COVID-19 proved to
be challenging for audiologists
and speech-language
pathologists (SLPs) working in
school settings. Audiologists
had questions about performing
hearing assessments during
COVID-19. SLPs had questions
about performing hearing
screenings during COVID-19.
If you have questions or concerns
about audiology, reach out to us at
audiology@asha.org. We're here
to help.

Help Us Help You!
Respond To ASHA Surveys.

  2021 AUDIOLOGY CONNECTIONS asha.org/aud
http://www.asha.org/aud
Audiology Connections - 2021

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