CPT Code 92544 | Description & Clinical Information
CPT 92544 describes the performance of a test by the provider to evaluate the movement of the eyes in both directions, using either foveal or peripheral stimulation, and documenting the findings.
Official Description
The CPT book defines CPT code 92544 as: “Optokinetic nystagmus test, bidirectional, foveal or peripheral stimulation, with recording”.
Billing Guidelines
CPT 92544 should not be reported together with CPT 92270, CPT 92540, or the group of CPT codes 92541, 92542, and 92545.
Clinical Information
The procedure describes by CPT code 92544 involves a diagnostic test that is used to evaluate a patient’s optokinetic nystagmus (OKN). This test is typically conducted by an ear, nose, and throat specialist or an audiologist. The test is non-invasive and uses a drum that is covered with light and dark vertical stripes. The drum is placed in front of the patient’s eyes and the patient is instructed to stare straight ahead.
The drum is slowly rotated in one direction, and then in the opposite direction. This allows the examiner to observe the patient’s eye movements as they attempt to follow the moving stripes on the drum. In a normal eye, the eyeball will smoothly track the stripes as they move in a particular direction. When the drum is rotated in the opposite direction, the eyeball will also follow that way. This is a natural eye reflex and indicates healthy eye function.
However, in cases of nystagmus, there will be irregular and involuntary movements of the eyeball and it may not be able to follow the rotating drum stripes. This is a symptom of this condition. Nystagmus is characterized by rhythmic, rapid, and involuntary eye movements, and can have various underlying causes.
The optokinetic nystagmus drum test is a simple and effective way to diagnose nystagmus. A few electrodes are attached from the patient’s body to the device can estimate the extent of the patient’s visual acuity.
It is important to note that nystagmus itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition. The condition can range from minor to severe, and may be caused by neurological problems or issues with the inner ear.
The optokinetic nystagmus drum test is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying patients with nystagmus, regardless of the underlying cause. By accurately diagnosing nystagmus, specialists can better understand the underlying condition and provide appropriate treatment to improve the patient’s eye function and overall quality of life.
In conclusion, the optokinetic nystagmus drum test, described by CPT code 92544, is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that helps ear, nose and throat specialists and audiologists evaluate a patient’s eye function. The procedure involves using a rotating drum with light and dark vertical stripes to observe involuntary eye movements, which helps to diagnose nystagmus. While nystagmus is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition, the optokinetic nystagmus drum test is a valuable tool in diagnosing the condition and providing appropriate treatment to improve the patient’s eye function.
Return to all the CPT codes for vestibular function tests, with recording (eg, eng).
