Hearing service providers
Hearing service providers must be approved by SIRA and are able to provide hearing aids (and rehabilitation) to workers with hearing loss as a result of noise in the workplace.
Guidelines for the provision of relevant services have been published
SIRA has published the Guidelines for the Provision of Relevant Services (Health and Related Services), which apply to relevant service providers providing services in the NSW workers compensation and CTP (for accidents on or after 1 December 2017) schemes.
The following sections of the guidelines apply to hearing service providers providing relevant services in the workers compensation scheme:
- Part 2: Requirements for telehealth services
- Part 5: Billing requirements for the provision of relevant services under the workers compensation legislation
- Part 6: Invoicing requirements for relevant services under the workers compensation legislation (excluding pharmaceutical services)
This webpage has been updated to include content from the Guidelines and the associated legislation.
New approval guidelines for hearing service providers
SIRA has introduced new Workers Compensation Guidelines for the Approval of Hearing Service Providers. The guidelines apply to audiology entities (and audiologists/audiometrists providing services through audiology entities) operating in the workers compensation scheme.
Providers who were approved under the previous approval framework will need to re-apply under the new guidelines. The previous framework was contained in the Hearing service provider application form.
All currently approved hearing service providers will need to apply for approval between now and 26 October 2022. From 16 November 2022, only providers that have been approved under the new guidelines can continue to work in the scheme.
The application form for hearing service providers is available now and must be submitted before 26 October 2022.
The guidelines replace the previous approval framework contained in the Hearing service provider application form.
These guidelines govern how SIRA approves and oversees hearing service providers delivering treatments and services in the workers compensation scheme. The guidelines strengthen the requirements for approved hearing service providers by adding extra conditions of approval and introducing a requirement for providers to renew their approval every three years.
Frequently asked questions
What do hearing service providers need to do?
Hearing Service Providers (HSPs) will need to apply for re-approval before 26 October 2022 to continue to deliver treatment and services in the scheme using the application form
If an HSP does not want to be an approved practitioner anymore, they can email [email protected] to let us know.
When do hearing service providers need to re-apply by?
Applications are open now, and you must apply for re-approval no later than 26 October 2022. From 16 November 2022, only providers that have been approved under the new guidelines can continue to work in the scheme.
SIRA will notify the HSP when the application has been processed.
SIRA recommends that a HSP applies now to avoid forgetting and risking their approval lapsing.
Who do the guidelines affect?
The guidelines govern SIRA’s approval of HSPs providing treatments and services in the workers compensation scheme and affect audiology entities (and audiologists/audiometrists providing services through audiology entities).
Some HSPs do not require SIRA approval to operate in the scheme. These groups are:
- Practitioners delivering services exclusively in the NSW public health system
- Practitioners delivering services exclusively to specified classes of workers
- Interstate practitioners delivering services exclusively outside NSW
Further information should be sought directly from the guidelines.
Why is SIRA making these changes?
The guidelines strengthen the requirements for approved HSPs by adding extra conditions of approval and introducing a requirement for providers to renew their approval every three years.
These changes will assist SIRA to improve compliance and better regulate those outlier practitioners who don’t do the right thing.
What has changed in the new guidelines?
The new guidelines include the following provisions:
- Providers must re-apply for SIRA approval every three years to continue providing services in the workers compensation scheme
- Providers must declare any actual, potential or perceived conflicts-of-interest on an ongoing basis, both to SIRA and to injured workers
- The guidelines provide examples of prohibited financial incentives and inducements. For example, hearing service providers cannot offer or accept financial incentives to refer workers to legal services, or to prescribe certain hearing aids
- Providers must be approved under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program
What happens if an existing hearing service provider does not re-apply?
HSPs can continue to work in the NSW workers compensation scheme up until 16 November 2022.
If an HSP does not apply for approval under the new guidelines, their approval to operate within the workers compensation scheme will cease. This means they will not be able to provide treatment or services in the workers compensation scheme until they re-apply and are approved.
If HSPs wish to withdraw as a SIRA-approved provider and avoid further correspondence, they can email [email protected] to remove themselves from the register.
Are there any costs involved in applying/re-applying?
There are no costs to apply for approval as an HSP.
How long does approval last for?
The approval period is three years, after which HSPs will need to re-apply for approval. However, status as an approved provider may be revoked or suspended at any stage during this time for failure to comply with legislation or the conditions of approval.
If you would like more information, please contact [email protected] or call 13 10 50.
What is the impact on insurers?
Insurers should be aware of the conditions of approval for SIRA approved hearing service providers and should notify SIRA if they become aware of an approved hearing service provider not adhering to the conditions.
Insurers should be aware that audiology entities (and audiologists/audiometrists providing services through audiology entities) need to be approved by SIRA to operate in the workers compensation scheme and must not approve treatment by an unapproved practitioner providing these services, unless they are delivering services to an exempt worker.
What is the impact on workers?
Changes to the guidelines will help SIRA ensure that hearing service providers working in the workers compensation scheme have demonstrated they understand the specific requirements involved and can provide quality services to injured workers.
Providing hearing aids
The supply of hearing aids to a worker must be approved by the insurer.
In determining whether hearing aids are reasonably necessary treatment, an insurer may consider:
- medical information, including an audiogram establishing hearing loss was related to employment, and
- a quote for the cost of the hearing aids that does not exceed the maximum identified in the SIRA Hearing Aid Fees Order.
Replacing hearing aids
Hearing aids can be replaced when the hearing aid:
- has been lost or damaged and is not covered by warranty or other insurance, or
- the worker can no longer communicate effectively using the current hearing aid.
You need to complete a request a replacement hearing aid form when requesting a replacement.
Assessment of need
- The nominated treating doctor (NTD) will determine an appropriate assessment and the treatment needs of the worker. The NTD may refer the worker to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist to assess the degree of any hearing loss, relationship to the worker's employment and whether hearing aids are reasonably necessary.
Please note, if a claim for lump sum compensation is to be made for work related hearing loss, an assessment must be undertaken by an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist who is a trained assessor of permanent impairment listed on the SIRA website.
If the ENT is assessing permanent impairment, they will also determine
- the level of binaural hearing loss, and
- the proportion of the hearing loss that is attributable to workplace noise.
Forms you might need:
Publications you might need:
- Guidelines for the Provision of Relevant Services (Health and Related Services)
- Hearing Service Provider guidelines
- Workers compensation guidelines
- Working with hearing loss - a workplace adjustment
Fees and invoicing
Get treatment approval first
If the insurer denies liability, or declines a treatment request because it does not meet 'reasonably necessary' criteria, the insurer is not responsible for payment of accounts.
So before treating your patient please confirm they have submitted a workers compensation claim, and that you have approval from the insurer to start treatment.
The fees orders provide a maximum fee for services provided to a worker. You can't exceed the maximum fees stated in the Fees Order.
All fees you can charge are listed below:
Current health-related fees
These are the and rates orders.
- Ambulance service fees order (effective 7 August 2023)
- Public hospital rates order (effective 7 August 2023)
- Surgeon and Orthopaedic Surgeon Fees Order (effective 1 February 2024)
- SIRA telehealth item numbers for medical practitioners (effective 1 February 2024)
- Psychology and counselling fees & practice requirements (effective 1 February 2024)
- Private Hospital Maximum Rates Order (effective 1 February 2024)
- Physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathy fees & practice requirements (effective 1 February 2024)
- Medical Practitioner Fees Order (effective 1 February 2024)
- Medical Examinations and Reports Fees Order (effective 1 February 2024)
- Massage Therapy Fees Order (effective 1 March 2024)
- Injury Management Consultant Fees Order (effective 1 February 2024)
- Independent Consultant Fees Order (effective 1 February 2024)
- Hearing Aid fees & practice requirements (effective 1 February 2024)
- General practitioner rates (effective 1 Feb 2024)
- Accredited exercise physiology fees & practice requirements (effective 1 February 2024)
Historical health-related fees
These are the historical health related fees and rates orders.
Fees and rates orders 2023
- General practitioner rates effective 1 February 2023
- Telehealth item numbers for medical practitioners effective 1 February 2023
- General practitioner rates effective 9 March 2023
- Telehealth item numbers for medical practitioners effective 9 March 2023
- General practitioner rates effective 6 July 2023
- Telehealth item numbers for medical practitioners effective 6 July 2023
- Accredited exercise physiology fees and practice requirements (effective 1 February 2023)
- General practitioner rates (effective 1 November 2023)
- Hearing aid fees and practice requirements (effective 1 February 2023)
- Independent consultant fees order (effective 1 February 2023)
- Injury management consultant fees order (effective 1 February 2023)
- Massage therapy fees order (effective 1 February 2023)
- Medical examinations and reports fees order (effective 1 February 2023)
- Medical practitioners fees order (effective 1 February 2023)
- Physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathy fees and practice requirements (effective 1 February 2023)
- Psychology and counselling fees and practice requirements (effective 1 February 2023)
- Private hospital maximum rates order (effective 7 November 2022)
- Surgeon and orthopaedic surgeon fees order (effective 1 February 2023)
- Telehealth item numbers for medical practitioners (effective 1 November 2023)
Fees and rates orders 2022
- Accredited exercise physiology and practice requirements (effective 1 August 2022)
- General practitioner rates (effective 1 July 2022)
- General practitioner rates (effective 1 November 2022)
- Hearing aid fees and practice requirements (effective 1 January 2022)
- Independent consultant fees order (effective 1 January 2022)
- Injury management consultant fees order (effective 1 January 2022)
- Massage therapy fees order (effective 1 January 2022)
- Medical examinations and reports fees order (effective 1 January 2022)
- Medical practitioners fees order (effective 1 July 2022)
- Physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathy fees and practice requirements (effective 1 January 2022)
- Physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathy fees and practice requirements (effective 1 August 2022)
- Psychology and counselling fees and practice requirements (effective 1 January 2022)
- Surgeon and orthopaedic surgeon fees order (effective 1 July 2022)
- Telehealth item numbers for medical practitioners (effective 1 July 2022)
- Telehealth item numbers for medical practitioners (effective 1 November 2022)
- Public hospital rates order (effective 22 July 2022)
- Ambulance service fees order (effective 22 July 2022)
Fees and rates orders 2021
- Ambulance service fees order (effective 6 August 2021)
- General practitioner rates (effective 1 December 2021)
- General practitioner rates (effective 1 January 2021)
- Hearing Aid fees and practice requirements (effective 1 January 2021)
- Independent Consultant fees order (effective 1 March 2021)
- Injury Management Consultant fees order (effective 1 March 2021)
- Massage Therapy fees order (effective 1 January 2021)
- Medical Examinations and Reports fees order (effective 1 March 2021)
- Medical Practitioners fees order (effective 1 December 2021)
- Medical Practitioners fees order (effective 1 January 2021)
- Orthopaedic Surgeon fees order (effective 1 December 2021)
- Orthopaedic Surgeon fees order (effective 1 January 2021)
- Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy fees and practice requirements (effective 1 January 2022)
- Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy fees and practice requirements (effective 1 January 2021)
- Psychology and Counselling fees and practice requirements (effective 1 January 2021)
- Public hospital rates order (effective 6 August 2021)
- Surgeon fees order (effective 1 December 2021)
- Surgeon fees order (effective 1 January 2021)
- Telehealth item numbers for medical practitioners (effective 1 December 2021)
- Telehealth item numbers for medical practitioners (effective 1 January 2021)
Fees and rates orders 2020
- Accredited Exercise Physiology
- Accredited Exercise Physiology No 2
- Accredited Exercise Physiology fees order No 3 (effective 17 April 2020)
- Ambulance service fees order (effective 11 September 2020)
- General Practitioners rates (effective 17 April 2020)
- Hearing Aid fees order (effective 1 January 2020)
- Hearing Aid fees order No 2 (effective 17 April 2020)
- Independent Consultant fees order
- Independent Consultant fees order No 2
- Independent Consultant fees order No 3 (effective 17 April 2020)
- Injury Management Consultant fees order
- Injury Management Consultant fees order No 2 (effective 17 April 2020)
- Massage Therapy fees order
- Medical Examinations and Reports fees order
- Medical Examinations and Reports fees order No 2 (effective 17 April 2020)
- Medical Practitioners fees order
- Medical Practitioners fees order No 2
- Medical Practitioners fees order No 3 (effective 17 April 2020)
- Orthopaedic Surgeon fees order
- Orthopaedic Surgeon fees order No 2 (effective 17 April 2020)
- Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy
- Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy No 2
- Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy No 3 (effective 17 April 2020)
- Psychology and Counselling fees order
- Psychology and Counselling fees order No 2
- Psychology and Counselling fees order No 3 (effective 17 April 2020)
- Private Hospital Maximum rates order (effective 17 March 2020)
- Public Hospital fees schedule (effective 1 July 2020)
- Public Hospital rates order (effective 1 July 2020)
- Surgeon fees order
- Surgeon fees order No 2 (effective 17 April 2020)
Fees and rates orders 2019
- Accredited Exercise Physiology
- General practitioners rates
- Hearing Aid fees order
- Independent Consultant
- Injury Management Consultant
- Massage Therapy fees order
- Medical Examinations and Reports
- Medical Examinations and Reports No 2
- Medical Practitioners fees order
- Orthopaedic Surgeon fees order
- Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy
- Private Hospital fee schedule
- Private Hospital rates order
- Psychology and Counselling
- Public Hospital fee schedule
- Public Hospital rates order
- Surgeon fees order
Fees and rates orders 2018
- Ambulance fees schedule
- Ambulance services fee order
- Accredited exercise physiology
- General practitioner rates
- Hearing aid fees order
- Independent consultants
- Injury management consultants
- Massage Therapy fees order
- Medical examinations and reports
- Medical practitioner fees order
- Orthopaedic Surgeon fees order
- Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy fees order
- Psychology and counselling
- Private Hospital fees schedule
- Private Hospital rates order
- Public Hospital fees schedule
- Public hospital rates order
- Surgeon fees order
Fees and rates orders 2017
- Ambulance services fees order
- Ambulance services fees order no2
- Accredited exercise physiology
- General practitioner rates
- Hearing aid fees order
- Independent consultants
- Injury management consultants
- Massage Therapy fees order
- Medical examinations and reports
- Medical practitioner fees order
- Orthopaedic Surgeon fees order
- Physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathy fees order
- Private Hospital rates order fees order
- Psychology and counselling
- Public Hospital rates order
- Public Hospital rates order no2
- Surgeon fees order
When invoicing, we have a payment system that requires itemised invoices. This system enables consistent data collection from service providers and insurers and ensures accurate payments.
Services delivered via telehealth should use the updated code.
What your invoices will need to include
SIRA requires medical practitioners and other service providers to provide itemised invoices before payment can be made by the insurer.
Invoices for relevant services rendered must include:
- the injured worker’s first and last name, and claim number
- payee name, address, telephone number and email address
- payee Australian Business Number (ABN)
- name of the relevant service provider who delivered the relevant service
- in the case of allied health services, the following provider numbers:
- the provider’s SIRA approval number (where applicable), and
- the provider’s AHPRA number/professional association accreditation/membership number
- in the case of allied health services provided interstate by a service provider who doesn’t have a SIRA approval number, the service provider number INT0000 must be included on the invoice instead
- in the case of allied health services provided to exempt workers, by a service provider who doesn’t have a SIRA approval number, the service provider number EXT0000 must be included on the invoice instead.
- relevant SIRA payment classification code or Australian Medical Association (AMA) Fees List item number (where applicable)
- service cost for each SIRA payment classification code or AMA Fees List item number and service duration (if applicable)
- date of service
- date of invoice (must be on the day of or after last date of service listed on the invoice).
Invoices must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the service being provided.
Send your invoices to the worker’s insurer.
Invoices should be submitted within 30 calendar days of the service being provided.
Send your invoices to the worker’s insurer.
Do I need a SIRA provider number?
Yes. If you're a hearing service provider you must have a SIRA provider number to provide hearing services to workers in the NSW workers compensation system.
How do I become approved?
Hearing service providers must apply for approval under the Workers Compensation Guidelines for the Approval of Hearing Service Providers to provide treatments and services in the workers compensation scheme.
Approval of hearing service providers
Any contracted hearing service provider with the Office of Hearing Services is eligible to apply for SIRA approval as a hearing service provider.
To apply, fill out the hearing service provider application form
You can email [email protected] or call 13 10 50 for more information.
Further information
The Hearing aid fees and practice requirements provide additional information on how the claims process works, and what type of payments and expenses may be available.
Refer to the Guidelines for the Provision of Relevant Services (Health and Related Services) for requirements that hearing service providers must comply with.