Proposals appropriate for submission to this topic will cover all aspects of dispensing and managing an audiology practice in any setting. Proposals of special interest to the reviewers and highly encouraged in this topic category for 2025 will be those topics that include: billing, coding and reimbursement including specific issues related to managed care; co-morbidity screening and referral within audiology initial and follow-up visits; the utilization of trained assistants; and ethical issues in audiology practice. Additionally, buying and selling practices, and business ethics in audiology practice. Proposals may relate to practice management and ensuring sustainability of the Audiology profession. Attendees may also be interested in retention, professional growth and development as well as diversifying and implementing new service lines.

The topic area committee encourages proposals related to unique and innovative practice management and service delivery including those specifically related to telehealth/virtual hearing health care. Interprofessional education, practice, and/or research that addresses the implementation of interprofessional competencies within curricular or practice models or the evaluation of collaborative care outcomes for the practice of audiology should be included in this topic area.

Research

Translational, applied, or implementation research related to business practices and management issues

Professional Education

• Business models covering the entire audiology scope of practice
• Expansion opportunities within an audiology practice
• Community outreach opportunities for audiology practices

Proposals may focus on:

• Business metrics
• Business ethics
• Budgeting and financial management
• Business practice for diverse audiology market sectors
• Business efficiency strategies
• Viability and sustainability of unique service delivery models
• Recruitment into and sustainability of audiologic workforce
• Utilization of assistants and support personnel
• Practice development, including buying and selling a practice
• Over-the-counter hearing devices/aids
• Risk management and quality control
• Marketing and consumer relations
• Legislative advocacy
• Government regulatory and compliance issues
• Legal issues including expert witness testimony

Related Topics

Proposals that include this topic but have a primary focus on:

• The use of telepractice in the delivery of service that include technology-based approaches and outcomes at the system level should be submitted to Telepractice topic area.
• Supervision of assistants should be submitted to the Supervision and Precepting topic area unless the focus is specifically on practice management or business concepts.
• Cultural considerations, health disparities, and access to business and practice management services for audiologists should be submitted to the Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural–Linguistic Diversity topic area.