National EHDI Technical Assistance System at Utah State University

National EHDI Technical Assistance Systemat

Utah State University

National EHDI Technical Assistance Systemat

Utah State University

• EHDI Network members located in each of ten geographic regions

Region I(38% currently bornin UNHS hospitals)

Antonia MaxonB

Region IV(46% currently bornin UNHS hospitals)

Faye McCollister

Region III(49% currently bornin UNHS hospitals)

Sean Kastetter

Region VI(38% currently born in UNHS hospitals)

Karen DittyPatti Martin

Region VII(33% currently bornin UNHS hospitals)

Les Schmeltz

Region IX(23% currently bornin UNHS hospitals)

Randi WinstonYusnita Weirather

Region II(16% currently bornin UNHS hospitals)

Beth Prieve

Region V(26% currently bornin UNHS hospitals)

Karen Munoz

Region X(21% currently bornin UNHS hospitals)

Curt Whitcomb

Region VIII(91% currently bornin UNHS hospitals)

Terry Foust

National EHDI Assistance Network

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VIII

IX

VII

VI

V

IV

III

II

I

X

Guam, American Samoa,Marshall Islands, Palau,

No. Mariana Islands,Fed. Micronesia

Puerto RicoVirgin Islands

Examples of Network Activities

• State-wide EHDI meetings

• Individualized TA with state EHDI programs

• NEC*TAS Webcast for Part C Programs

• AAP Chapter Advocacy Forum

• Regional workshops on Diagnostic ABR

– 6 weeks of on-line preparation

– 2 day face-to-face workshop

– 3 month follow-up practicum

National EHDI Technical Assistance System (continued)

• EHDI Network members located in each of the MCHB regions

• Information dissemination and training

Support for Program Implementation

• Step-by-step Implementation Guide

• Distributed by MCHB to all birthing facilities in the US

• Down load from the web at www.infanthearing.org

• Linked to examples of materials from existing programs

Sound Ideas Newsletter

• Published Quarterly

• Topical articles, suggestions for program improvement

• Upcoming events

• Available online or mailed

National EHDI Technical Assistance System (continued)

• EHDI Network members located in each of the MCHB regions

• Information dissemination and training

• Web site (www.infanthearing.org)

National EHDI Technical Assistance System (continued)

• EHDI Network members located in each of the MCHB regions

• Information dissemination and training

• Web site (www.infanthearing.org)

• Collaboration with other groups and agencies

National EHDI Technical Assistance System (continued)

• Groups actively promoting and assisting with EHDI activities– AG Bell, NCHH, ASHA, AAA, JCIH, AAP, SKI-HI,

ASDC, Boys Town, DSHPSHWA

• Relevant groups whose main focus has been elsewhere– NEC*TAS, Early Head Start, 0-3, Family Voices,

NCCC, AMCHP, AHEC, March of Dimes, MCH Health Policy Center

Collaboration with Other Groups and Agencies

Analysis of Reimbursement for EHDI-Related Services

• Medicaid Managed Care Contract Provisions for EHDI (42 states)

– All state Medicaid contracts included provisions for hearing screening as part of their EPSDT

– Only 26% states’ EPSDT requirements were consistent with national standards for objective hearing screens for newborns. For the post-newborn period, 19% were consistent with national standards.

– States much more likely to specify subjective rather than objective hearing screening requirements as part of the routine EPSDT screen.

•  Medicaid Reimbursement of Hearing Services for Children (44 states)

– Medicaid fees for hearing services in 2000 were low with significant range (eg, fees for Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (92579) averaged $20.82 (range $11 to $39).  

– The extent to which such low Medicaid fees contribute to restricted access to audiology providers and services is an issue that requires further study.