Sound bite

[stephSF]

Hi everyone.  Has anyone been able to find out the insurance code number for the Sound Bite device itself?  Going to HEI next month for check up and to work on getting this device.  My insurance needs the code in order to tell me if it is covered or not.  Thanks for any input you may have.
Stephanie

[op2012]

I talked to the makers of Sound Bite (Sonitus) and they gave me the code L9900. They said you can also ask if the insurance covers BAHA as they are similar. If they do, they probably cover Sound Bite. They told me sound bit is considered a "prosthetic hearing aid) - if it helps.
Now, do you know with who we need to talk at HEI in order to start the process with the insurance for the Sound Bite? I talked to many people at HEI and no one seems to know how to get started...
Thanks!

[kaykay]

that L9900 code sounds familiar...i know they are trying to pass it off as a prosthetic device.
i cant really help on this...cuz i havent received a final bill for my device yet.  i did get a thing from my insurance company a couple of years ago saying they are covering 80%...but then just recently i got a notice from soundbite that they are still trying to get more coverage........

[leapyrtwins]

They said you can also ask if the insurance covers BAHA as they are similar. If they do, they probably cover Sound Bite. They told me sound bit is considered a "prosthetic hearing aid) - if it helps.

Not sure of the code for the Sound Bite, but have to note that the BAHA is not really similar so don't be surprised if insurance doesn't cover it.  The BAHA involves an implant which is permanent; the Sound Bite is not permanent nor does it involves an implant.

BAHAs are typically coded as an implant, but can sometimes be coded as a prosthesis.  The words "hearing aid" are generally not even mentioned, as most insurance companies don't cover hearing aids.

As Kaykay mentioned, Sonitus is trying to pass the Sound Bite off as a prosthetic, but I'm not 100% sure they've been successful.

Jan