How To Use CPT Code 92611

CPT 92611 is a code used for motion fluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing function by cine or video recording. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, when to use the code, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 92611 procedures.

1. What is CPT 92611?

CPT 92611 is a medical code used to describe a diagnostic procedure that involves the evaluation of a patient’s swallowing function using motion fluoroscopy with cine or video recording. This test is typically performed by a speech-language pathologist or a radiologic provider to assess the patient’s ability to swallow properly and identify any deficits in their swallowing mechanism.

2. 92611 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 92611 is: “Motion fluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing function by cine or video recording.”

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT 92611 involves the following steps:

1. The testing provider conducts an interview with the patient to gather information about their swallowing difficulties.
2. The provider evaluates the patient’s oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, and upper esophagus using cine or video recording.
3. A radiologic provider may join the testing provider and patient for a fluoroscopic evaluation.
4. The patient is given edible substances of varying consistencies, including barium contrast, to help visualize the anatomy under fluoroscopy as they swallow.
5. The testing provider observes and records the patient’s bolus formation, transport, swallowing time, and movement of the pharyngeal wall and voice box.
6. After the evaluation, the testing provider reviews the results and creates a detailed report of the encounter.
7. Based on the findings, the provider may recommend interventions such as diet modifications or specific postures to follow while eating to improve the patient’s swallowing function.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 92611 services are those experiencing difficulties with swallowing, which may be due to various medical conditions such as stroke, neurological disorders, head and neck cancer, or other structural abnormalities. The testing provider must determine that the patient’s symptoms warrant a thorough evaluation of their swallowing function using motion fluoroscopy with cine or video recording.

5. When to use CPT code 92611

It is appropriate to bill the 92611 CPT code when a patient presents with swallowing difficulties that require a comprehensive evaluation using motion fluoroscopy with cine or video recording. This diagnostic procedure helps identify any deficits in the patient’s swallowing mechanism and provides valuable information for developing a targeted treatment plan.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92611, the following information must be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and symptoms related to swallowing difficulties
• Results of the physical examination of the oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, and upper esophagus
• Details of the fluoroscopic evaluation, including the use of barium contrast and the consistencies of edible substances administered
• Observations and findings related to bolus formation, transport, swallowing time, and movement of the pharyngeal wall and voice box
• A detailed report of the encounter, including the provider’s interpretation of the results and any recommended interventions

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 92611, it is essential to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. Some tips and codes that apply to CPT 92611 include:

• For radiological supervision and interpretation, use code 74230.
• For evaluation of oral and pharyngeal swallowing function, use code 92610.
• For flexible diagnostic laryngoscopy, use code 31575.

8. Historical information

CPT 92611 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2003. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 92611

Five similar codes to CPT 92611 and how they differ are:

• CPT 92610: This code is used for the evaluation of oral and pharyngeal swallowing function without the use of motion fluoroscopy.
• CPT 74230: This code is used for radiological supervision and interpretation during a swallowing function evaluation.
• CPT 31575: This code is used for flexible diagnostic laryngoscopy, which involves the examination of the larynx using a flexible scope.
• CPT 92526: This code is used for the treatment of swallowing dysfunction and/or oral function for feeding.
• CPT 92597: This code is used for the evaluation of the patient’s ability to use a speech-generating device.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 92611 procedures:

1. A patient with a history of stroke presents with difficulty swallowing and requires a comprehensive evaluation using motion fluoroscopy.
2. A patient with Parkinson’s disease experiences progressive swallowing difficulties and undergoes a motion fluoroscopic evaluation to assess their swallowing function.
3. A patient with head and neck cancer has undergone surgery and requires a postoperative assessment of their swallowing function using motion fluoroscopy.
4. A patient with a congenital structural abnormality in their throat experiences difficulty swallowing and undergoes a motion fluoroscopic evaluation to determine the cause.
5. A patient with a traumatic brain injury presents with swallowing difficulties and requires a comprehensive evaluation using motion fluoroscopy.
6. A patient with multiple sclerosis experiences worsening swallowing difficulties and undergoes a motion fluoroscopic evaluation to assess their swallowing function.
7. A patient with a history of radiation therapy to the head and neck region presents with difficulty swallowing and requires a comprehensive evaluation using motion fluoroscopy.
8. A patient with a progressive neurological disorder experiences difficulty swallowing and undergoes a motion fluoroscopic evaluation to determine the cause.
9. A patient with a history of esophageal surgery presents with swallowing difficulties and requires a comprehensive evaluation using motion fluoroscopy.
10. A patient with unexplained swallowing difficulties undergoes a motion fluoroscopic evaluation to assess their swallowing function and identify any underlying issues.