Questions to Ask When Booking Your First Appointment with an Audiologist

When calling to book your first appointment with an audiologist, there might be a million questions running through your mind. It can be stressful thinking about the right questions to ask. Keep in mind, there is no such thing as a bad question! With this in mind, here are a sample of questions you may want to ask when booking your first appointment with an audiologist.

What is your availability?

You first need to see what their availability is. If they do not have any availability for a few months does that work for you? Can you wait or do you need to see someone right away? Do they have a cancelation wait list that you can go on? Can they refer you to someone else that does not have as long of a wait time?

What are your hours of operation?

Check to make sure their hours of operation work for you and your life. Are they open late or on weekends? Does your schedule require you to keep odd hours and can this audiologist accomodate you?

Where is the office located?

Check to see where the office is located. Is it close to your home or work? Can you get there easily during their hours of operation? Do they have multiple locations that you can visit? Or are they only open specific hours and specific days with minimal flexibility? Consider travel time and be sure the particular location works for your life. 

Is the office accessible?

Do you have mobility problems? Are you taking someone with you that may have mobility problems? Is there an elevator or escalator in the building or is it just stairs? What about parking? Is there ample parking and do you need to pay for it? Accessibility can be a big factor to consider when selecting an audiologist.

What are the costs associated with the appointment?

Check and see what costs are associated with the initial visit and any follow-up appointments? Are there any extra costs you should know about, such as consumables used during the appointment, late or cancelation fees? Inquire what any and all fees are prior to the appointment so you are not caught off guard by an unexpected charge.

What are the policies of the office?

Check to see what policies the office has regarding cancellations and tardiness to an appointment. You want to make sure you know what is expected of you when it comes to office policies to ensure you have no problem following them. 

Do you directly bill insurance companies?

This is a very important question to ask prior to your appointment because if you are not directly billed, you will need to contact your insurance company to see what they cover and what information they need from you during and after the appointment.