Understanding occupational noise induced hearing loss (ONIHL) claims
From 1 June 2022 audiologists are able to lodge claims for occupational noise induced hearing loss (ONIHL). Learn about lodging ONIHL claims, information required, and the invoice and purchase order process.
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Lodging ONIHL claims
We’ve simplified the process of lodging claims for ONIHL to allow audiologists to lodge ONIHL claims using an ACC45 form. Patients can access treatment and care up to 30 days faster, and will benefit from saving the cost of a GP consultation. We've provided an overview on lodging claims and more indepth information to assist you.
Lodging occupational noise induced hearing loss claims overview
You might also like to read a summary document to help you consider whether a patient with occupational noise exposure could be considered to have ONIHL.
ACC8383 Understanding occupational noise induced hearing loss cover
Using a PMS to lodge a claim
If you will use a practice management system (PMS) to lodge a claim, an API will need to be set up which allows our systems to connect. For information about APIs, visit our developer resource centre. Once your software vendor confirms that your API has been set up, you’ll be able to lodge ACC45 claims using your PMS.
Get started with lodging a claim online
If you don't have a PMS, you can still lodge claims using our online system, eBusiness Gateway.
Working with us using our digital services
If you need more help getting set up to use our digital services, contact us.
Phone 0800 222 994 (option 1)
Email ebusinessinfo@acc.co.nz
When to lodge an ACC45 claim
From 1 June 2022, we recommend using your best clinical judgement. This includes compiling the patient's clinical and work history and using the New Zealand Audiological Society (NZAS) percentage loss hearing calculator to help you judge if your patient is likely to qualify for cover.
The NZAS percentage loss hearing calculator is updated regularly, so you should use the latest version to get the most value from it. It includes a high frequency calculation, which should exceed the minimum legislated level for cover once the age correction is deducted. An updated version will be available when the age corrections are updated. You can then lodge a claim.
You can also refer to the documents on the NZAS website about understanding ACC occupational noise induced hearing loss cover, accessible if you are an NZAS member.
New Zealand Audiological Society resources
If you aren’t an NZAS member, there is a guideline for work related hearing loss to read.
Assessment guide for occupational noise induced hearing loss
You will also need to check with your patient if they have had a previous claim for hearing loss lodged with ACC. This will avoid duplicate claims from being lodged in our system.
Date of injury
The date of injury recorded on the injury claim form should be the same date as your hearing test consultation and assessment.
You should only lodge claims for occupational noise induced hearing loss for patients who have received a hearing test after 1 June 2022. You won’t be able to lodge claims for patients seen prior to this date.
Information to provide when lodging an ONIHL claim
When you lodge the ACC45 claim you need to complete all available patient contact details such as landline, mobile and email addresses. This means we won’t need to follow up with you for further information.
Please wait 24 hours after submitting your ACC45 claim before submitting the ACC612 Audiometric report for hearing loss and ACC724 Hearing loss questionnaire as well as any other supporting documents to the hearing loss team. This will ensure that we can lodge your claim.
ACC612 Audiometric report for hearing loss
ACC724 Hearing loss questionnaire
Email us a summary of your client’s audiometric test results, including a copy of the NZAS PLH spreadsheet, and any other relevant information. Send together with the ACC612 and ACC724.
Email dunedin.hearingloss@acc.co.nz
Completing the ACC724 Hearing loss questionnaire
This information allows us to make a cover decision promptly and will save up to 30 days of follow up time between us and the patient.
In some instances, the patient may need to take the form home to confirm details. Ask them to return this to you as soon as possible so you can include it with your claim.
If the claim is declined
We will still pay for the hearing assessment as per the current process. Ensure you invoice us for the hearing test as soon as the claim is lodged.
Tracking claims
You can check the status of the claim via the PMS or our online system, eBusiness Gateway. We'll contact you if we need more information about the claim.
Do you need to lodge a claim
If you choose not to lodge an ACC claim, the existing process applies. Your patient should be referred to their GP who can lodge the claim on their behalf. However, by lodging claims yourself you may improve your patient's experience and reduce delays by up to 30 days.
Purchase orders
Send the ACC612 form to us following lodgement of the claim. We’ve removed the need for prior approval from the first hearing test (HL01) on each claim so you can invoice us directly for the test after the claim is lodged.
The date of injury on the ACC45 claim form needs to be the same date as your hearing test consultation and test assessment. Our systems will not allow payment of the hearing assessment if the date is prior to the date of injury.
Purchase orders for subsequent hearing tests on the same claim
Follow up hearing tests on the same claim still require an ACC purchase order number. The current process applies for re-aiding.
Contact us
If you'd like to know more, get in touch.
Email ebusinessinfo@acc.co.nz- for technical support
Email audiologyadviser@acc.co.nz - for audiology related enquiries