National EHDI Technical Assistance System at Utah State University

1. National EHDI Technical Assistance SystematUtah State University

2. National EHDI Technical Assistance SystematUtah State University • EHDI Network members located in each of ten geographic regions

3. National EHDI Assistance Network Region VIII (91% currently born in UNHS hospitals) Terry Foust Region V (26% currently born in UNHS hospitals) Karen Munoz Region II (16% currently born in UNHS hospitals) Beth Prieve I Puerto Rico Virgin Islands Region I (38% currently born in UNHS hospitals) Antonia MaxonB VIII II X V Region X (21% currently born in UNHS hospitals) Curt Whitcomb III VII Region III (49% currently born in UNHS hospitals) Sean Kastetter IX IV VI - Region IX (23% currently born in UNHS hospitals) Randi Winston Yusnita Weirather Guam, American Samoa, Marshall Islands, Palau, No. Mariana Islands, Fed. Micronesia Region IV (46% currently born in UNHS hospitals) Faye McCollister Region VI (38% currently born in UNHS hospitals) Karen Ditty Patti Martin Region VII (33% currently born in UNHS hospitals) Les Schmeltz

4. 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

5. National EHDI Technical Assistance System (continued) • EHDI Network members located in each of the MCHB regions • Information dissemination and training

6. 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

7. Sound Ideas Newsletter • Published Quarterly • Topical articles, suggestions for program improvement • Upcoming events • Available online or mailed

8. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.