How To Use CPT Code 92519

CPT 92519 describes the procedure for vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing, specifically measuring the patient’s response to high-level acoustic stimuli using electrodes placed on the neck and near the eye. 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 92519?

CPT 92519 can be used to describe the procedure for vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing. This test measures the patient’s response to high-level acoustic stimuli by placing electrodes on the neck and near the eye. The service includes interpretation and report. VEMP testing is performed to evaluate diseases of the ear and vestibular system by checking how muscles respond when sound reaches the inner ear.

2. Official Description

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

3. Procedure

1. In the VEMP testing procedure, the provider measures the patient’s response to high-level acoustic stimuli using electrodes placed on the neck (cervical region) and near the eye (for ocular muscles).
2. The provider selects the appropriate VEMP test, either cervical (cVEMP) or ocular (oVEMP), based on the specific evaluation needed.
3. The patient may be instructed to lie down and turn or lift their head up to contract the neck muscles for cVEMP testing.
4. For oVEMP testing, the patient may be instructed to contract the inferior oblique muscle by looking up.
5. Loud sound from an inserted earphone stimulates the saccule, a small sac in the inner ear, which activates the inferior vestibular nerves.
6. The provider monitors the recordings, interprets them, and prepares a report of the patient’s response to the VEMP testing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 92519 is performed to evaluate diseases of the ear and vestibular system. It is used to determine the function of the otolith, an inner ear structure that senses gravity and straight-line acceleration, and the vestibular nerve, which provides balance information. The provider places surface electrodes under the eye and on the sternocleidomastoid muscles (SCM) to detect sound evoked potentials. The sternocleidomastoid muscle is a neck muscle that helps turn and bend the neck. The test is typically performed when there is a suspicion of auditory and balance or dizziness disorders.

5. When to use CPT code 92519

CPT code 92519 should be used when performing VEMP testing, specifically cervical (cVEMP) and ocular (oVEMP) testing. It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 92270, 92517, or 92518.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92519, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s symptoms or suspected auditory and balance or dizziness disorders
• Specific VEMP test performed (cervical or ocular)
• Date of the test
• Start and end time of the test
• Details of the patient’s response to the VEMP testing
• Interpretation of the recordings
• Preparation of a report summarizing the findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 92519, ensure that the provider performs either cervical (cVEMP) or ocular (oVEMP) testing. Do not report this code in conjunction with codes 92270, 92517, or 92518. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate billing for VEMP testing.

8. Historical information

CPT 92519 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2021. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) testing to evaluate their balance and dizziness symptoms.
2. A provider performs ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) testing to assess a patient’s inner ear function.
3. VEMP testing is conducted on a patient with suspected auditory disorders to evaluate their otolith and vestibular nerve function.
4. A patient with a history of balance problems undergoes cVEMP and oVEMP testing to determine the cause of their symptoms.
5. A provider performs VEMP testing on a patient who experienced a recent head injury to assess their vestibular system function.