UDIOLOGY . I am interested in having my hearing tested and have noticed that some places charge for hearing exams while others do not. Why is this Heather Zimmel Au. D., CCC-A . Great question! As an audiologist, I frequently have patients ask me why I charge for hearing exams while other hearing aid offices provide the service at no charge. In most cases, the locations offering free hearing exams are operated by hearing instrument dispensers. Hearing instrument dispensers are typically unable to bill Medicare and other third party insurers for audiological services Because of this, they will often do a basic hearing test for free with the hope of selling their customer hearing aids. As a doctor of audiology I am a contracted provider with most insurance companies (including Medicare), and therefore bill for diagnostic and professional services, just like your eye doctor or dentist would. So, while I bill for comprehensive hearing exams, I also inform patients that we submit these charges to their insurance company, and most often the testing will cost them little or nothing out of pocket (most insurances pay for one exam per year) While I truly enjoy working with hearing aids, my priority is to correctly test, diagnose, and treat hearing loss- sometimes this means fitting patients with hearing aids, other times it means a referral to the Ear Nose, and Throat doctor for medical treatment, and sometimes it means both! My advice to patients is to choose their hearing healthcare provider based on trust, education, experience, care, and credentials I am quite confident that you would find all of these qualifications at Advantage Audiology & Hearing Healthcare! If you would like to more information, please do not hesitate to call the office at (218) 333-8833 dvantageVAudiology & HEARING HEALTHCARE 677 Anne Street NW, Suite G. Bemidji, MN 56601 218-333-8833