How To Use CPT Code 92567
CPT 92567 is a code used for tympanometry, a procedure that measures the functioning of the middle ear to identify the cause of hearing loss. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, billing guidelines, documentation requirements, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 92567.
1. What is CPT 92567?
CPT 92567 is a code used to represent the tympanometry procedure, which is a diagnostic test that measures the functioning of the middle ear. This test is performed to identify the cause of hearing loss by varying the pressure of air presented to the ear and measuring the response of the middle ear to these pressure changes.
2. 92567 CPT code description
The official description of CPT code 92567 is: “Tympanometry (impedance testing)”.
3. Procedure
The 92567 procedure involves the following steps:
- The provider places an ear probe in the patient’s ear to measure the response of the middle ear to pressure changes.
- The pressure in the external ear canal is varied to identify the pressure at which maximum transmission of sound occurs.
- The provider measures the pressure and compares it to normal values to determine the functioning of the middle ear.
4. Qualifying circumstances
Patients who are experiencing hearing loss and require a diagnostic test to determine the cause of their hearing impairment are eligible to receive CPT code 92567 services. This test is particularly useful for identifying issues related to the middle ear, such as fluid buildup, eardrum perforation, or Eustachian tube dysfunction.
5. When to use CPT code 92567
It is appropriate to bill the 92567 CPT code when a patient presents with hearing loss and the provider determines that tympanometry is necessary to identify the cause of the hearing impairment. This test is typically performed in conjunction with other diagnostic tests, such as audiometry, to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s hearing function.
6. Documentation requirements
To support a claim for CPT 92567, the following information should be documented:
- Patient’s medical history, including any previous hearing tests or treatments.
- Physical examination findings, including any abnormalities in the ear or surrounding structures.
- Indication for the tympanometry test, such as suspected middle ear dysfunction or unexplained hearing loss.
- Results of the tympanometry test, including the pressure at which maximum sound transmission occurs and comparison to normal values.
- Interpretation of the test results and any recommendations for further testing or treatment.
7. Billing guidelines
When billing for CPT code 92567, keep in mind the following guidelines:
- This service includes testing of both ears. Use modifier 52, Reduced services, if a test is applied to one ear instead of both.
- If one provider administers this test and a different provider interprets the results, these two services cannot be reported separately as there isn’t a separate professional and technical component, just the global code.
8. Historical information
CPT 92567 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.
9. Similar codes to CPT 92567
Five similar codes to CPT 92567 and how they differentiate from CPT 92567 are:
- CPT 92550: This code is used for tympanometry and reflex threshold measurements, which includes both impedance testing and acoustic reflex testing.
- CPT 92557: This code represents comprehensive audiometry threshold evaluation and speech recognition, which is a more extensive hearing test that includes speech recognition testing in addition to pure tone audiometry.
- CPT 92558: This code is for evoked otoacoustic emissions testing, which measures the sounds generated by the inner ear in response to sound stimulation.
- CPT 92563: This code is for tone decay testing, which evaluates the patient’s ability to maintain hearing sensitivity over time.
- CPT 92565: This code is for stapedial reflex testing, which measures the contraction of the stapedius muscle in response to sound stimulation.
10. Examples
Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 92567 procedures:
- A patient with a history of recurrent ear infections presents with hearing loss and requires tympanometry to assess middle ear function.
- A patient with sudden onset hearing loss undergoes tympanometry as part of a comprehensive hearing evaluation.
- A child with speech delay has tympanometry performed to rule out middle ear dysfunction as a contributing factor.
- A patient with a history of Eustachian tube dysfunction undergoes tympanometry to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
- A patient with a perforated eardrum has tympanometry performed to assess the extent of the damage and plan for surgical repair.
- A patient with a history of exposure to loud noise undergoes tympanometry as part of a hearing conservation program.
- A patient with tinnitus has tympanometry performed to determine if middle ear dysfunction is contributing to the symptom.
- A patient with a family history of hearing loss undergoes tympanometry as part of a routine hearing screening.
- A patient with a history of otosclerosis has tympanometry performed to assess the progression of the disease and plan for surgical intervention.
- A patient with a history of chronic sinusitis undergoes tympanometry to evaluate the impact of the condition on middle ear function.