How To Use CPT Code 92532

CPT 92532 describes a positional nystagmus test, which is used to examine if a disease of the inner ear is causing a patient’s dizziness. 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 92532?

CPT 92532 is a code used to describe a positional nystagmus test. This test is performed by a healthcare provider to assess if a disease of the inner ear is causing a patient’s dizziness. By observing the rapid movements of the eyeball when the patient changes the position of their head, the provider can determine if there is an abnormality related to the central or peripheral nervous system.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 92532 is: ‘Positional nystagmus test, minimum of 4 positions, with recording.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider asks the patient to move their head in different positions, such as lying supine with the head extended back, moving the head to the right or left, and sitting up.
2. During these positional changes, the provider observes the ability or inability of the eye to remain stationary and assesses any complaints of dizziness.
3. The provider may also perform a recording of the eye movements to document any abnormalities.
4. A minimum of four positions should be tested to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 92532 is typically performed on patients who experience dizziness and may have a disease of the inner ear, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The test helps determine if the patient’s dizziness is related to positional changes of the head. It is important to note that CPT 92532 should not be reported with evaluation and management services, including office or other outpatient services, hospital care, consultations, nursing facility services, or domiciliary care services.

5. When to use CPT code 92532

CPT code 92532 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a positional nystagmus test on a patient to assess the cause of their dizziness. It is important to ensure that the test includes a minimum of four positions and that recordings are made, if necessary. This code should not be used in conjunction with evaluation and management services or other specific care settings.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92532, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the positional nystagmus test
• Details of the positions tested, including the patient’s position and any specific movements
• Observations of the eye movements during each position
• Recordings, if performed, and any abnormalities noted

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 92532, ensure that the test includes a minimum of four positions and that recordings are made, if necessary. It is important to note that this code should not be reported with evaluation and management services or other specific care settings. Additionally, Medicare does not reimburse for Canalith repositioning procedures (e.g., Epley maneuver, Semont maneuver) performed on the same day as CPT 92532.

8. Historical information

CPT 92532 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There was a code change on January 1, 2002, which specified the minimum number of positions required for the test.

9. Examples

1. A patient complains of dizziness when changing positions, and a healthcare provider performs a positional nystagmus test to assess the cause of the symptoms.
2. A patient with a history of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) experiences dizziness, and a healthcare provider performs a positional nystagmus test to determine if the BPPV is causing the symptoms.
3. A patient presents with complaints of dizziness and a healthcare provider performs a positional nystagmus test to evaluate the function of the patient’s inner ear.
4. A patient reports dizziness when moving their head, and a healthcare provider performs a positional nystagmus test to assess if there are any abnormalities in the patient’s eye movements.
5. A patient experiences dizziness when changing positions, and a healthcare provider performs a positional nystagmus test to rule out any inner ear disorders as the cause of the symptoms.
6. A patient presents with complaints of dizziness and a healthcare provider performs a positional nystagmus test to assess if there is any correlation between the patient’s symptoms and their eye movements.
7. A patient reports dizziness when moving their head, and a healthcare provider performs a positional nystagmus test to evaluate the patient’s vestibular function.
8. A patient with a history of inner ear disorders experiences dizziness, and a healthcare provider performs a positional nystagmus test to assess if there are any abnormalities in the patient’s eye movements.
9. A patient complains of dizziness when changing positions, and a healthcare provider performs a positional nystagmus test to determine if the symptoms are related to the patient’s inner ear.
10. A patient presents with complaints of dizziness and a healthcare provider performs a positional nystagmus test to evaluate the patient’s balance and coordination.