How To Use CPT Code 0212T

CPT 0212T describes the comprehensive evaluation of hearing disorders using both air and bone conduction modes, as well as speech recognition testing. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0212T?

CPT 0212T can be used to describe the comprehensive evaluation of hearing disorders. This code includes the assessment of hearing threshold levels using both air and bone conduction modes, as well as the measurement of the patient’s ability to recognize familiar words and repeat them. The evaluation helps determine the type of hearing loss and whether the patient would benefit from a hearing aid.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0212T is: ‘Comprehensive audiometry threshold evaluation and speech recognition (0209T, 0211T combined), automated.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider places earphones on the patient’s ears and presents pure tones at various frequencies to test the patient’s hearing ability using air conduction mode.
2. The provider also uses a tuning fork or bone conduction vibrator to stimulate the mastoid bone behind the patient’s ears and test the patient’s hearing ability using bone conduction mode.
3. A computerized display unit records the patient’s responses to the sound frequencies presented.
4. The provider then performs a speech audiometry test by asking the patient to repeat words presented at different volumes.
5. The provider determines the patient’s speech reception threshold, which is the lowest level of sound that the patient easily understands and repeats words.
6. The provider also assesses the patient’s ability to recognize and repeat words at a louder level than the speech recognition threshold.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 0212T are those who require a comprehensive evaluation of their hearing disorders. This code is typically used for patients who may benefit from a hearing aid. The evaluation is performed by a qualified healthcare professional and includes both air and bone conduction testing, as well as speech recognition testing.

5. When to use CPT code 0212T

CPT code 0212T should be used when a comprehensive evaluation of hearing disorders is performed, including both air and bone conduction testing, as well as speech recognition testing. This code is appropriate for patients who may benefit from a hearing aid. It should not be used for audiometric testing performed manually by a qualified healthcare professional.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0212T, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s symptoms or complaints related to hearing
• Results of the comprehensive evaluation, including the patient’s hearing threshold levels and speech recognition abilities
• Date and duration of the evaluation
• Equipment used for the evaluation
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the evaluation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0212T, ensure that the comprehensive evaluation of hearing disorders using both air and bone conduction modes, as well as speech recognition testing, is performed. Modifier 26 should not be appended to this code, as it represents the technical component only. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the reporting of CPT code 0212T.

8. Historical information

CPT 0212T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. Audiologist evaluating a patient’s hearing threshold levels and speech recognition abilities to determine the type of hearing loss and the need for a hearing aid.
2. ENT specialist performing a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s hearing disorders using both air and bone conduction modes, as well as speech recognition testing.
3. Hearing healthcare professional assessing a patient’s ability to recognize and repeat words at different volumes to determine the speech reception threshold.
4. Speech-language pathologist evaluating a patient’s speech recognition abilities to determine the need for additional intervention or therapy.
5. Primary care physician referring a patient to an audiologist for a comprehensive evaluation of their hearing disorders.
6. Pediatrician assessing a child’s hearing threshold levels and speech recognition abilities to monitor their developmental progress.
7. Ear, nose, and throat surgeon performing a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s hearing disorders prior to recommending surgical intervention.
8. Geriatrician evaluating an elderly patient’s hearing abilities to address any age-related hearing loss and provide appropriate interventions.
9. Occupational therapist assessing a patient’s hearing threshold levels and speech recognition abilities to determine their functional impact on daily activities.
10. Neurologist performing a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s hearing disorders as part of a broader neurological assessment.