How To Use CPT Code 92517

CPT 92517 describes the vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing procedure, specifically focusing on the cervical region. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 92517?

CPT 92517 is used to describe a diagnostic test called vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing. This procedure measures the patient’s response to high-level acoustic stimuli using electrodes placed on the neck in the cervical region. The purpose of this test is to evaluate diseases of the ear and vestibular system by checking how muscles respond when sound reaches the inner ear. The service includes interpretation and a report of the findings.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 92517 is: ‘Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing, with interpretation and report; cervical (cVEMP).’ It is important to note that CPT code 92517 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 92270, 92518, or 92519.

3. Procedure

1. In the cervical VEMP (cVEMP) testing procedure, the provider places surface electrodes on the sternocleidomastoid muscles (SCM) in the neck.
2. The patient may be instructed to lie down and turn or lift their head to contract the muscles.
3. A loud sound is delivered through an inserted earphone to stimulate the saccule, a small sac in the inner ear.
4. The stimulation of the saccule activates the inferior vestibular nerves.
5. The provider monitors the recordings of the patient’s response to the sound stimuli.
6. The provider interprets the recordings and prepares a report of the findings.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 92517 is used to evaluate the function of the otolith, an inner ear structure that senses gravity and straight-line acceleration, as well as the vestibular nerve, which provides balance information. This test is helpful in the evaluation of suspected auditory and balance or dizziness disorders. It is important to note that CPT code 92517 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 92270, 92518, or 92519.

5. When to use CPT code 92517

CPT code 92517 should be used when performing cervical VEMP (cVEMP) testing to evaluate the function of the otolith and vestibular nerve. It is appropriate to bill this code when the provider measures the patient’s response to high-level acoustic stimuli using electrodes placed on the neck. However, it should not be reported in conjunction with codes 92270, 92518, or 92519.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 92517, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s symptoms or suspected auditory and balance or dizziness disorders
• Details of the VEMP testing procedure, including the placement of electrodes on the sternocleidomastoid muscles (SCM)
• Date of the test and the duration of the procedure
• Specific findings and interpretation of the recordings
• A comprehensive report summarizing the results of the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 92517, ensure that the procedure performed is cervical VEMP (cVEMP) testing. It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 92270, 92518, or 92519. Additionally, it is recommended to review the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 92517 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2021. As of now, there have been no updates or changes to this code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with symptoms of dizziness and balance problems. The provider performs cervical VEMP (cVEMP) testing to evaluate the function of the otolith and vestibular nerve.
2. A patient with a history of hearing loss complains of vertigo. The provider conducts cervical VEMP (cVEMP) testing to assess the patient’s vestibular system.
3. A patient experiences recurrent episodes of unexplained falls. The provider orders cervical VEMP (cVEMP) testing to investigate potential vestibular abnormalities.
4. A patient with a suspected vestibular disorder undergoes cervical VEMP (cVEMP) testing to assess the function of the otolith and vestibular nerve.
5. A patient with a history of head trauma complains of persistent dizziness. The provider performs cervical VEMP (cVEMP) testing to evaluate the patient’s vestibular system.
6. A patient with a known vestibular disorder undergoes regular cervical VEMP (cVEMP) testing to monitor the function of the otolith and vestibular nerve.
7. A patient with a history of Meniere’s disease presents with worsening symptoms. The provider orders cervical VEMP (cVEMP) testing to assess the patient’s vestibular function.
8. A patient with suspected vestibular migraine complains of recurrent vertigo attacks. The provider performs cervical VEMP (cVEMP) testing to evaluate the patient’s vestibular system.
9. A patient with a history of noise-induced hearing loss experiences balance problems. The provider conducts cervical VEMP (cVEMP) testing to assess the function of the otolith and vestibular nerve.
10. A patient with a suspected vestibular schwannoma undergoes cervical VEMP (cVEMP) testing to evaluate the function of the otolith and vestibular nerve.