Services & Support
by Michaela Coon

5 online learnings for your clinical armamentarium

March 26, 2020
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Whether at home or in the clinic, these online learnings can help you stay current on relevant topics:

Cochlear webinars

Discover educational webinars delivered live by experts in the field of hearing implants discussing a wide variety of topics such as:

  • Advancements in CI: A data driven perspective
  • The Cochlear™ Osia® System
  • The Profile™ Plus Implant

AudiologyOnline courses

AudiologyOnline courses provide educational options for hearing care professionals to increase their clinical knowledge and skills. Our courses include:

  • Benefits Afforded by Precurved Electrode Arrays: Speech and Auditory Perception for Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients
  • Setting a New Benchmark with the Slim Modiolar Electrode
  • Bone Conduction Solutions for Children with Conductive, Mixed or Unilateral Hearing Loss

AudiologyOnline interviews

AudiologyOnline interviews provide an in-depth look at clinical topics in Q&A format from various professionals. Recent interviews include:

  •   Introducing the Baha® Lend an Ear Program
  •   Non-Surgical Baha® Options for Children: Key Considerations
  •   Introducing Cochlear™ Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor with Expanded Connectivity

Cochlear NEXT CI532 study discussion

In Spring 2019, sixty-five otology and audiology professionals came together for Cochlear NEXT, a program focused on discussion regarding Cochlear’s CI532 Clinical Study and the respective implications of this emerging and impactful data. This video series captures the highlights of the day’s presentations with a focus on the surgical and clinical outcomes of the CI532 Clinical Study.

TECH Talk videos

TECH Talks is a peer-to-peer educational video series designed for professionals to hear the latest from experts in the field of implantable hearing solutions. Videos include:

  •  Dr. Friedmann – The Slim Modiolar Electrode
  •  Dr. Kaplan – Reliability Reporting
  •  Dr. Ittner – Cochlear Mini Microphone 2+

For more helpful hints, subscribe to the Cochlear ProNews to stay up to date on the latest educational opportunities.

Related Posts

New Professional Resources to Support Sound Processor Upgrades

October 10, 2022

Cochlear is committed to innovation, and we know one of the most exciting things about the technology is that it continues to evolve. Next-generation sound processors are designed to deliver improved hearing performance, new connectivity and capabilities, and work with a patient’s existing implant.  Historically, peer-reviewed publications demonstrate that upgrading to the latest sound processor technology has been beneficial for patients, clinics, and society.1-16

While Cochlear has comprehensive recipient-facing resources to help patients explore the benefits and process of upgrading their sound processor, as well as resources to help navigate payment and recipient testimonials about upgrading, we heard feedback from clinicians that the process of facilitating sound processor upgrades for patients can feel overwhelming and complex.  A sampling of the questions we’ve heard are: Who is eligible and how does one know?  What resources are available to clinicians and patients?  What is the current process?  To answer these questions and more, Cochlear is excited to announce a series of five professional-facing videos that provide an outline of the process, resources, and support available to you and your patients to make the upgrade process for a CochlearTM next-generation sound processor as seamless as possible.

Eligibility:

  • In this short video, we cover the first step, which is how to determine if a patient is eligible for a sound processor upgrade through their insurance, including how to use Custom Sound Pro to identify patients who have had their technology for more than five years.

Pre-Upgrade Counseling:

  • In the second video, we cover the multiple resources Cochlear has to support you and your upgrade eligible patients as they explore their options before placing an order.

Order Placement

  • In the third video, we cover we cover the options on how, where, and with whom patients can fill out and submit the sound processor upgrade order placement form.

Letter of Medical Necessity

  • In the fourth video, we cover a few key highlights about the Letter of Medical Necessity, which serves as the prescription allowing Cochlear to provide the specific products ordered and verifies that they are medically necessary for the patient’s cochlear implant to continuously function.

On-boarding

  • In this final video, we discuss the options available for onboarding after the patient receives their upgraded sound processor, typically 6-8 weeks after order placement.

We heard your feedback.  These videos are the first peek into of a comprehensive set of professional facing resources about sound processor upgrades that will be available over the coming months. 

References:

1. Hey M, Böhnke B, Mewes A, Munder P, Mauger SJ, Hocke T. Speech comprehension across multiple CI processor generations: Scene dependent signal processing. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology. 2021 Aug;6(4):807-15.

2. Go­ -Gomez MV, Muniz L, Wiemes G, Onuki LC, Calonga L, Osterne FJ, Kós MI, Caldas FF, Cardoso C, Cagnacci B. Contribution of noise reduction pre-processing and microphone directionality strategies in the speech recognition in noise in adult cochlear implant users. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 2021 Aug;278(8):2823-8.

3. Mauger SJ, Warren CD, Knight MR, Goorevich M, Nel E. Clinical evaluation of the Nucleus® 6 cochlear implant system: Performance improvements with SmartSound iQ. International Journal of Audiology. 2014 Aug 1;53(8):564-76.

4. Mosnier I, Sterkers O, Nguyen Y, Lahlou G. Benefits in noise from sound processor upgrade in thirty-three cochlear implant users for more than 20 years. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 2021 Mar;278(3):827-31.

5. Pinheiro MM, Mancini PC, Soares AD, Ribas Â, Lima DP, Cavadas M, Banhara MR, da Silva Carvalho SA, Buzo BC. Comparison of Speech Recognition in Cochlear Implant Users with Different Speech Processors. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology. 2021 Jul;32(07):469-76.

6. Plasmans A, Rushbrooke E, Moran M, Spence C, Theuwis L, Zarowski A, Oeciers E, Atkinson B, McGovern J, Dornan D, Leigh J. A multi-center clinical evaluation of pediatric cochlear implant users upgrading to the Nucleus® 6 system. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 2016 Apr 1;83:193-9.

7. Biever A, Gilden J, Zwolan T, Mears M, Beiter A. Upgrade to Nucleus® 6 in Previous Generation Cochlear™ sound processor patients. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology. 2018 Oct;29(09):802-13.

8. Mauger SJ, Jones M, Nel E, Del Dot J. Clinical outcomes with the Kanso™ off-the-ear cochlear implant sound processor. International Journal of Audiology. 2017 Apr 3;56(4):267-76.

9. Mosnier I, Marx M, Venail F, Loundon N, Roux-Vaillard S, Sterkers O. Bene‑ ts from upgrade to the CP810™ sound processor for Nucleus® 24 cochlear implant patients. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2014; 271:49–57.

10. Warren CD, Nel E, Boyd PJ. Controlled comparative clinical trial of hearing bene‑ t outcomes for users of the Cochlear™ Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor with mobile connectivity. Cochlear Implants International. 2019 May 4;20(3):116-26.

11. Maruthurkkara S, Allen A, Cullington H, MuJ, Arora K, Johnson S. Remote check test battery for cochlear implant patients: proof of concept study. International Journal of Audiology. 2021 Aug 24:1-0.

12. Maruthurkkara S, Case S, Rottier R. Evaluation of Remote Check: A Clinical Tool for Asynchronous Monitoring and Triage of Cochlear Implant Patients. Ear and Hearing. 2022 Mar 1;43(2):495-506.

13. Neve OM, Boerman JA, van den Hout WB, Briaire JJ, van Benthem PP, Frijns JH. Cost-bene‑ t analysis of cochlear implants: A societal perspective. Ear and Hearing. 2021 Sep;42(5):1338.

14. FoteC, Kennedy S, Milton AH, Deger M, Payk F, Sanderson G. Cost–utility analysis of cochlear implantation in Australian adults. Otology & Neurotology. 2016 Jun 1;37(5):454-61.

15. Cutler H, Gumbie M, Olin E, Parkinson B, Bowman R, Quadri H, Mann T. The cost-effectiveness of unilateral cochlear implants in UK adults. The European Journal of Health Economics. 2021 Nov 2:1-7.

16. Gumbie M, Olin E, Parkinson B, Bowman R, Cutler H. The cost-effectiveness of Cochlear implants in Swedish adults. BMC health services research. 2021 Dec;21(1):1-4.

upgrade

New OMS forms required as of October 1

September 4, 2020

By Nicole Craig, Senior Manager of Managed Care and Market Access, Cochlear Americas

Otologic Management Services (OMS) request forms have been updated to include the launch of the new Osia® System.  Use of these forms will allow providers to submit requests for any product, as well as streamline compliant communication between parties.

A division of Cochlear Americas, OMS is a dedicated team of reimbursement specialists who are available at no cost to help clinicians and their patients obtain the necessary pre-surgical insurance approvals, or support appeals where coverage is denied for Cochlear’s Nucleus®, Baha® and Osia Systems for medically qualified candidates.  Updated forms that were issued in February 2020 will no longer be accepted as of October 1, 2020.  

The information requested on OMS forms is required by health plans in order to process the request. As OMS submits the information on your behalf, it is very important that the information is complete and legible (typed is strongly preferred) to avoid any delays.  The forms are PDF editable, so completing the basic information for each provider and saving as a template for future use is suggested.  Whenever possible, OMS prefers to receive documents via email given the clarity is typically better than faxed items; however, OMS can receive documents in both formats to accommodate providers.  Requests received with incomplete documents may be delayed while attempting to secure the required information or clarification of the information shared. The team recognizes the value of your time and the importance of quick turnaround times for both you and your patients; therefore, we would like to share the required paperwork and documents needed to process requests.  Here are the documents required for each case when submitting a request to OMS:

  • Surgical Procedure Authorization Request Form with supporting documentation:
    • Copy of the patient’s health insurance card
    • Letter of medical necessity (templates available upon request)
    • Current chart notes, CT results & hearing test results including audiogram
  • Patient Authorization to Provide Insurance Support Services Form (Patient signature required)
  • Authorization for Release of Patient Health Information Form (Patient signature required)
  • Notice of Privacy Practice should be distributed to patients, but no signature required

To obtain the updated forms or learn more about working with OMS, visit our website, contact via email at OMS@Cochlear.com or watch these webinars.

About the author:

Nicole Craig is the Senior Manager of Managed Care and Market Access for Cochlear Americas. She oversees OMS and managed care contracting for Cochlear’s external DME replacement parts and accessories.

Information provided by Cochlear Americas regarding insurance coverage or reimbursement is provided as guidance only and is not intended as reimbursement or legal advice. Cochlear Americas makes no representation or warranty regarding such information or its completeness, accuracy, fitness for a particular purpose, or that following such guidance will result in any form of coverage or reimbursement from any insurer. Information presented is subject to change at any time. To be sure that you have the most current and applicable information available for your unique circumstances, please consult your own experts and seek your own legal advice regarding your reimbursement needs. In all cases, products or services billed must be medically necessary, actually performed and appropriately documented in the medical record.

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©Cochlear Limited 2024. All rights reserved. ACE, Advance Off-Stylet, AOS, Ardium, AutoNRT, Autosensitivity, Baha, Baha SoftWear, BCDrive, Beam, Bring Back the Beat, Button, Carina, Cochlear, 科利耳, コクレア, 코클리어, Cochlear SoftWear, Contour, コントゥア, Contour Advance, Custom Sound, DermaLock, Freedom, Hear now. And always, Hugfit, Human Design, Hybrid, Invisible Hearing, Kanso, LowPro, MET, MP3000, myCochlear, mySmartSound, NRT, Nucleus, Osia, Outcome Focused Fitting, Off-Stylet, Piezo Power, Profile, Slimline, SmartSound, Softip, SoundArc, True Wireless, the elliptical logo, Vistafix, Whisper, WindShield and Xidium are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the Cochlear group of companies. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

 

This material is intended for health professionals. If you are a consumer, please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always read the instructions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.

 

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