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23.3.1.2 Initial Test at Birth
The provider must do the following:
• Verify that the parents received the results of the hearing screen at the birthing facility.
•Check for obvious physical abnormalities.
•Supply a hearing checklist for parents and instructions on its use (this checklist is discussed at the first in-office THSteps medical check up).
•Provide a referral for further diagnostic audiological testing for an infant with abnormal screening results or who is at high-risk for hearing impairment.
If the Infant is admitted to a birthing facility, the facility where the birth occurs must offer newborn hearing screenings through a program mandated by the Texas State Legislature and certified by the Texas Department of Health.
Procedures for newborn hearing screenings provided during the birth admission are considered part of the newborn delivery payment to the facility and are not considered for reimbursement as separate procedures.
If the infant is not admitted to a birthing facility or is born outside of a birthing facility, procedures for newborn hearing screenings performed during the initial Texas Health Steps (THSteps) visit are considered part of the initial newborn medical check up and are not considered for reimbursement as separate procedures. Providers that are not THSteps-enrolled must refer the infant to an enrolled THSteps provider for an initial THSteps medical check up, which includes a newborn hearing screening.
An initial newborn hearing screening for infants who are not admitted to a birthing facility consists of the following:
•Completing the Hearing Checklist for Parents form.
•Assessing any physical abnormalities.
•Instructing the parent(s) on the use of the hearing checklist.
•Informing the parent(s) of the results.
•Referring the high-risk infant to a physician who renders audiology services.
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