I make appointment for my DH to see 2 different ENT doctors to consult about his condition and to learn what options is best to treat his hearing lost.
One of them is a doctor of Stanford Health Care group and the other doctor who works for SHC (previously) and now has his own officeto practice. Both of them requires another hearing test to be done again. My DH already gets a hearing test done less than 6 month ago . And both of them does not want to accept the hearing test result which is done by an Audiologists outside.
When I inquire further, I get an answer as follow:
1./ Dr requires a hearing test within 3 months
2./ Their office has better hearing equipment , better calibration in their equipment . So, they prefer DH has a hearing test to be done at at their offices
3./ That is their office policy
In order for my insurance to cover partial of the cost of the hearing test, DH must see an Audiologist in the network who has contract with Cigna. Otherwise, we must pay entire cost from out own pocket. A manager at one of the office says to me . If I do not agree to do a hearing test done at their office, the doctor may not agree to see my DH . Which I feel like a threat to me.
I just do not understand why there is a concrete rule like that. My husband lost 97 % of his hearing in one of his ear. Retesting again will not make the hearing result different. I agree to do a new hearing test if it is needed for the doctor give a correct diagnostic of my DH condition . I said to the office manager that if needed, my husband will have the test done again, with the same Audiologist who performed the hearing test for him, and the result will be sent to their office. However, they will not agree that , because they think , their hearing test result will be better if it is done at their office.
I just do not undrestand why they do not accept the hearing test result performs by the another licensed audiologist, outside their office. Do patient has thei right to have the test done where and by whom they choose. If I go along with what being told, then everytime, my DH see another ENT doctor for 3rd opinion or 4th opinion, each time, he must pay for a new hearing test result at the doctor office.
I normally follow what doctor ordered, and to go where his/ her send me. But, I do not agree with what I was told, today, by the office manager, Not until DH have a chance to meet with the doctor and to heard from him directly why the hearing test must be done at his office , and not at anywhere else.
I wonder if I am wrong in this situation.
By the way, the 1st hearing test was done at the place which was recommnded by the 1st ENT doctor, who find out the root cause of DH hearing lost. If anyone , by any chance, know a good Newrotologist doctor in the Bay Area, please let me have the name and phone number .
Please advise and thank you.
