Audiology (hearing services)

We can help pay for this treatment in the first 90 days after your accident. You do not need to contact us for approval first if:

  • you have a TAC claim number
  • your doctor or other health professional recommends it, and
  • it is for your accident injuries.

To get this treatment, you will need a referral from your doctor.

We may contact you or your provider to check your progress and see if you are getting the support you need. This will help us make sure your treatment is helping your recovery. It will allow us to make decisions about what treatment we can pay for and how long we can pay for it.

Specialist doctors called ‘audiologists’ provide hearing services.

How to get treatment from an audiologist

  1. Go to your doctor for a referral to see an audiologist.
  2. Choose an audiologist. Your doctor can recommend one in your local area or you can search for an audiologist online.
  3. Call and make an appointment. Tell them you are a TAC client, you have a referral and who the referral is from. Ask if they charge at TAC rates. If the provider charges more, they may ask you for a 'gap payment' to make up the difference
  4. Go to your appointment and give the provider your TAC claim number.

When you need to ask for TAC approval:

Please contact us for approval if it is:

  • close to or more than 90 days since your accident and we haven’t already approved more treatment, or
  • more than 6 months since you’ve had any treatment or service paid for by the TAC.

How we pay for treatment

There are two ways we can pay for your approved treatments and services:

  • we pay your provider at the TAC rate
  • you pay your provider, and we repay you at the TAC rate.

To ask for a reimbursement, scan or take a photo of your receipt. Send it to us with the ‘Claim reimbursement’ button on myTAC, or by email to info@tac.vic.gov.au and we will repay you.

We will pay for your treatment at the TAC rate . If your provider charges more than the TAC rate, you may need to pay the difference. This is known as a 'gap payment'.

If your provider charges you a gap payment, you may be able to seek reimbursement for some of this through:

  • Medicare or your private health insurance
  • The TAC.

Please note, in most cases, we are unable to reimburse you for a gap payment. This is because we have paid for your treatment or service at a rate we have determined is reasonable. You may still ask for a reimbursement from the TAC and we will let you know our decision.

What does an audiologist do?

Audiologists evaluate, diagnose and treat people with hearing and balance disorders. They can also prescribe and fit hearing aids and other aids for people who have problems with their hearing.

Effective 1 July 2023

Audiology services can be invoiced online via HICAPS Digital Claims for next business day payments.

For Audiology services provided on or after 1 July 2023
Service DescriptionTAC Item NumberMaximum
Payment
Rate
Audiogram, Air Conduction AU0005 $45.72
Impedance Audiogram not associated with other tests AU0020 $57.16

Initial Hearing Assessment & After 12 Months.

Assessment includes:

  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction or air conduction and speech discrimination,
  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction and speech discrimination,
  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction and speech with other cochlear tests and
  • Impedance audiogram associated with other tests.
AU0050 $173.85
Review and or maintenance consultation after 12 months AU0055 $173.85
For Audiology services provided between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023
Service DescriptionTAC Item NumberMaximum
Payment
Rate
Audiogram, Air Conduction AU0005 $42.34
Impedance Audiogram not associated with other tests AU0020 $52.93

Initial Hearing Assessment & After 12 Months.

Assessment includes:

  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction or air conduction and speech discrimination,
  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction and speech discrimination,
  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction and speech with other cochlear tests and
  • Impedance audiogram associated with other tests.
AU0050 $160.99
Review and or maintenance consultation after 12 months AU0055 $160.99
For Audiology services provided on or after 1 July 2023
Service DescriptionTAC Item NumberMaximum
Payment
Rate
Audiogram, Air Conduction AU0005 $45.72
Impedance Audiogram not associated with other tests AU0020 $57.16

Initial Hearing Assessment & After 12 Months.

Assessment includes:

  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction or air conduction and speech discrimination,
  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction and speech discrimination,
  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction and speech with other cochlear tests and
  • Impedance audiogram associated with other tests.
AU0050 $173.85
Review and or maintenance consultation after 12 months AU0055 $173.85
For Audiology services provided between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023
Service DescriptionTAC Item NumberMaximum
Payment
Rate
Audiogram, Air Conduction AU0005 $42.34
Impedance Audiogram not associated with other tests AU0020 $52.93

Initial Hearing Assessment & After 12 Months.

Assessment includes:

  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction or air conduction and speech discrimination,
  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction and speech discrimination,
  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction and speech with other cochlear tests and
  • Impedance audiogram associated with other tests.
AU0050 $160.99
Review and or maintenance consultation after 12 months AU0055 $160.99

Summary

You can use this form to claim general reimbursements from the TAC.

How to send documents to the TAC

myTAC

myTAC is the quickest way to:

  • Submit receipts and claim reimbursements
  • Send documents and forms
  • Update your personal and banking details
  • Find out about treatments and services the TAC may pay for

Email

If you can't use myTAC to send your receipts or documents, please take a photo and email it to us at info@tac.vic.gov.au. Include your claim number in the subject line of your email so we can process your request.

Summary

This form is to be used when claiming reimbursement for travel (i.e. private vehicle, public transport and/or taxi) expenses to attend: medical treatment for accident injuries; medical examinations arranged by the TAC; approved rehabilitation or disability services; or work, if you are participating in a formal Return to Work program.

How to send documents to the TAC

myTAC

myTAC is the quickest way to:

  • Submit receipts and claim reimbursements
  • Send documents and forms
  • Update your personal and banking details
  • Find out about treatments and services the TAC may pay for

Email

If you can't use myTAC to send your receipts or documents, please take a photo and email it to us at info@tac.vic.gov.au. Include your claim number in the subject line of your email so we can process your request.

We’re here to help you get your life back on track after your transport accident. To help you with hearing and balance disorders we will pay for audiology services provided in Australia.

In the first 90 days after your accident, the TAC can help pay for this treatment without the need for you to contact us for approval first.

When you need to contact us for approval

You or your provider need to contact the TAC for approval of this treatment if:

  • It is approaching or more than 90 days since your accident and we have not approved further treatment or services, or
  • It has been more than 6 months since you’ve had any treatment or service paid for by the TAC.

When can we pay for hearing services

In the first 90 days after your accident, if your treater recommends that you see an audiologist because of your injuries, there is no need to contact us for approval first.

After the first 90 days, you will need TAC approval for more audiology services.

When needed, we will work with your treating team to help them organise the hearing services and support you need.

We may contact your hearing services provider to discuss your progress or ask for  an assessment to make sure that:

  • You have access to the most appropriate treatment and support.
  • You are getting proven, evidence-based treatment and not receiving treatment that isn't helping you recover.
  • You are moving towards getting your life back on track or being able to live independently.

What we can pay for

Treatments and services we can’t pay for

We can’t pay for services that:

  • Do not treat your transport accident injuries.
  • Are not reasonable, necessary or appropriate.
  • Are not clinically justified, safe and effective.

What do audiologists do?

Audiologists evaluate, diagnose and treat people with hearing and balance disorders.  Audiologists can also prescribe and fit hearing aids and other aids for people who are having problems with their hearing.

For more information please see the following resources:

How treatments and services are paid for

We pay for your treatment:

  • Directly to your audiologist, when you have given them your TAC claim number, or
  • If you have to pay, use myTAC to send a copy of your receipt to us and we will repay you.

We pay for your services in line with our responsibilities under the Transport Accident Act 1986.

How much we will pay

We will pay for your treatment and services according to our fee schedule. If your service charges more than the TAC rate, you may need to pay the difference. For a list of TAC rates, see:

For providers

If you are a provider of audiology services, please refer to our TAC provider guidelines.

We can help pay for this treatment in the first 90 days after your accident. You do not need to contact us for approval first if:

  • you have a TAC claim number
  • your doctor or other health professional recommends it, and
  • it is for your accident injuries.

To get this treatment, you will need a referral from your doctor.

We may contact you or your provider to check your progress and see if you are getting the support you need. This will help us make sure your treatment is helping your recovery. It will allow us to make decisions about what treatment we can pay for and how long we can pay for it.

Specialist doctors called ‘audiologists’ provide hearing services.

How to get treatment from an audiologist

  1. Go to your doctor for a referral to see an audiologist.
  2. Choose an audiologist. Your doctor can recommend one in your local area or you can search for an audiologist online.
  3. Call and make an appointment. Tell them you are a TAC client, you have a referral and who the referral is from. Ask if they charge at TAC rates. If the provider charges more, they may ask you for a 'gap payment' to make up the difference
  4. Go to your appointment and give the provider your TAC claim number.

When you need to ask for TAC approval:

Please contact us for approval if it is:

  • close to or more than 90 days since your accident and we haven’t already approved more treatment, or
  • more than 6 months since you’ve had any treatment or service paid for by the TAC.

How we pay for treatment

There are two ways we can pay for your approved treatments and services:

  • we pay your provider at the TAC rate
  • you pay your provider, and we repay you at the TAC rate.

To ask for a reimbursement, scan or take a photo of your receipt. Send it to us with the ‘Claim reimbursement’ button on myTAC, or by email to info@tac.vic.gov.au and we will repay you.

We will pay for your treatment at the TAC rate . If your provider charges more than the TAC rate, you may need to pay the difference. This is known as a 'gap payment'.

If your provider charges you a gap payment, you may be able to seek reimbursement for some of this through:

  • Medicare or your private health insurance
  • The TAC.

Please note, in most cases, we are unable to reimburse you for a gap payment. This is because we have paid for your treatment or service at a rate we have determined is reasonable. You may still ask for a reimbursement from the TAC and we will let you know our decision.

What does an audiologist do?

Audiologists evaluate, diagnose and treat people with hearing and balance disorders. They can also prescribe and fit hearing aids and other aids for people who have problems with their hearing.

Effective 1 July 2023

Audiology services can be invoiced online via HICAPS Digital Claims for next business day payments.

For Audiology services provided on or after 1 July 2023
Service DescriptionTAC Item NumberMaximum
Payment
Rate
Audiogram, Air Conduction AU0005 $45.72
Impedance Audiogram not associated with other tests AU0020 $57.16

Initial Hearing Assessment & After 12 Months.

Assessment includes:

  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction or air conduction and speech discrimination,
  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction and speech discrimination,
  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction and speech with other cochlear tests and
  • Impedance audiogram associated with other tests.
AU0050 $173.85
Review and or maintenance consultation after 12 months AU0055 $173.85
For Audiology services provided between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023
Service DescriptionTAC Item NumberMaximum
Payment
Rate
Audiogram, Air Conduction AU0005 $42.34
Impedance Audiogram not associated with other tests AU0020 $52.93

Initial Hearing Assessment & After 12 Months.

Assessment includes:

  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction or air conduction and speech discrimination,
  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction and speech discrimination,
  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction and speech with other cochlear tests and
  • Impedance audiogram associated with other tests.
AU0050 $160.99
Review and or maintenance consultation after 12 months AU0055 $160.99
For Audiology services provided on or after 1 July 2023
Service DescriptionTAC Item NumberMaximum
Payment
Rate
Audiogram, Air Conduction AU0005 $45.72
Impedance Audiogram not associated with other tests AU0020 $57.16

Initial Hearing Assessment & After 12 Months.

Assessment includes:

  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction or air conduction and speech discrimination,
  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction and speech discrimination,
  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction and speech with other cochlear tests and
  • Impedance audiogram associated with other tests.
AU0050 $173.85
Review and or maintenance consultation after 12 months AU0055 $173.85
For Audiology services provided between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023
Service DescriptionTAC Item NumberMaximum
Payment
Rate
Audiogram, Air Conduction AU0005 $42.34
Impedance Audiogram not associated with other tests AU0020 $52.93

Initial Hearing Assessment & After 12 Months.

Assessment includes:

  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction or air conduction and speech discrimination,
  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction and speech discrimination,
  • Audiogram, air and bone conduction and speech with other cochlear tests and
  • Impedance audiogram associated with other tests.
AU0050 $160.99
Review and or maintenance consultation after 12 months AU0055 $160.99

Summary

You can use this form to claim general reimbursements from the TAC.

How to send documents to the TAC

myTAC

myTAC is the quickest way to:

  • Submit receipts and claim reimbursements
  • Send documents and forms
  • Update your personal and banking details
  • Find out about treatments and services the TAC may pay for

Email

If you can't use myTAC to send your receipts or documents, please take a photo and email it to us at info@tac.vic.gov.au. Include your claim number in the subject line of your email so we can process your request.

Summary

This form is to be used when claiming reimbursement for travel (i.e. private vehicle, public transport and/or taxi) expenses to attend: medical treatment for accident injuries; medical examinations arranged by the TAC; approved rehabilitation or disability services; or work, if you are participating in a formal Return to Work program.

How to send documents to the TAC

myTAC

myTAC is the quickest way to:

  • Submit receipts and claim reimbursements
  • Send documents and forms
  • Update your personal and banking details
  • Find out about treatments and services the TAC may pay for

Email

If you can't use myTAC to send your receipts or documents, please take a photo and email it to us at info@tac.vic.gov.au. Include your claim number in the subject line of your email so we can process your request.

We’re here to help you get your life back on track after your transport accident. To help you with hearing and balance disorders we will pay for audiology services provided in Australia.

In the first 90 days after your accident, the TAC can help pay for this treatment without the need for you to contact us for approval first.

When you need to contact us for approval

You or your provider need to contact the TAC for approval of this treatment if:

  • It is approaching or more than 90 days since your accident and we have not approved further treatment or services, or
  • It has been more than 6 months since you’ve had any treatment or service paid for by the TAC.

When can we pay for hearing services

In the first 90 days after your accident, if your treater recommends that you see an audiologist because of your injuries, there is no need to contact us for approval first.

After the first 90 days, you will need TAC approval for more audiology services.

When needed, we will work with your treating team to help them organise the hearing services and support you need.

We may contact your hearing services provider to discuss your progress or ask for  an assessment to make sure that:

  • You have access to the most appropriate treatment and support.
  • You are getting proven, evidence-based treatment and not receiving treatment that isn't helping you recover.
  • You are moving towards getting your life back on track or being able to live independently.

What we can pay for

Treatments and services we can’t pay for

We can’t pay for services that:

  • Do not treat your transport accident injuries.
  • Are not reasonable, necessary or appropriate.
  • Are not clinically justified, safe and effective.

What do audiologists do?

Audiologists evaluate, diagnose and treat people with hearing and balance disorders.  Audiologists can also prescribe and fit hearing aids and other aids for people who are having problems with their hearing.

For more information please see the following resources:

How treatments and services are paid for

We pay for your treatment:

  • Directly to your audiologist, when you have given them your TAC claim number, or
  • If you have to pay, use myTAC to send a copy of your receipt to us and we will repay you.

We pay for your services in line with our responsibilities under the Transport Accident Act 1986.

How much we will pay

We will pay for your treatment and services according to our fee schedule. If your service charges more than the TAC rate, you may need to pay the difference. For a list of TAC rates, see:

For providers

If you are a provider of audiology services, please refer to our TAC provider guidelines.

See what else we can pay for