Case 12

This case illustrates professional correspondence between the audiologist, Sam Bittel, AuD, the referring primary care physician, and then with the ENT physician.  As you read them make note of (and, if required by your professor, write out those notes about)

-How case history information is conveyed to persons who already know, or have access to, the patient’s medical record

-How the audiologist points out shortcomings of other testing / opinions factually, professionally, and tactfully

-How the audiologist balances two competing desires – to have the patient seen by a specific physician who he considers the best person to medically evaluate his dizzy patient, and also to ensure that the primary care physician is not taken “out of the loop” and still feels in control of the patient’s care.

-The tone of respect that the physician pays the audiologist in reciprocal communication.

Case credit: Case donated by Sam Bittel, AuD, Associated Audiologists, Overland Park, Kansas