How To Use CPT Code 92502

CPT 92502 describes the otolaryngologic examination under general anesthesia. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 92502?

CPT 92502 can be used to describe the examination of the ears, nose, and throat of a patient who requires general anesthesia. This code is used when the provider needs to perform the examination on an uncooperative child, an adult who is difficult to handle during the test, or a trauma victim who has already been administered anesthesia.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 92502 is: ‘Otolaryngologic examination under general anesthesia.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider places the patient under general anesthesia.
2. The provider performs an otoscopy to examine the ears of the patient.
3. The provider examines the nose of the patient using anterior rhinoscopy.
4. The provider examines the larynx of the patient.
5. The provider may perform additional tests or procedures as necessary.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 92502 is used when the patient requires general anesthesia for the examination of their ears, nose, and throat. This includes patients who are uncooperative, difficult to handle during the test, or trauma victims who have already been administered anesthesia.

5. When to use CPT code 92502

CPT code 92502 should be used when the provider needs to perform an otolaryngologic examination under general anesthesia. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment procedures that can be performed without anesthesia.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92502, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the examination under general anesthesia
• Details of the examination, including otoscopy, anterior rhinoscopy, and laryngeal examination
• Any additional tests or procedures performed
• Start and end time of the examination
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 92502, ensure that the examination is performed under general anesthesia. Do not report separate codes for diagnostic or treatment procedures that are included in the examination. Modifier 52, Reduced services, should not be appended to CPT 92502. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer when reporting this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 92502 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A child who requires general anesthesia for an otolaryngologic examination due to uncooperativeness.
2. An adult who needs to be placed under general anesthesia for an otolaryngologic examination because they are difficult to handle during the test.
3. A trauma victim who has already been administered anesthesia and requires an otolaryngologic examination.
4. A patient who needs an otolaryngologic examination under general anesthesia to assess their ears, nose, and throat.
5. An individual who requires general anesthesia for an otolaryngologic examination due to medical reasons.
6. A patient who needs an otolaryngologic examination under general anesthesia to evaluate their larynx.
7. An uncooperative child who requires general anesthesia for an otolaryngologic examination of their ears, nose, and throat.
8. An adult who is difficult to handle during the otolaryngologic examination and needs to be placed under general anesthesia.
9. A trauma victim who has already been administered anesthesia and requires an otolaryngologic examination of their ears, nose, and throat.
10. A patient who needs an otolaryngologic examination under general anesthesia to assess their ears, nose, and throat for a specific condition.