How To Use CPT Code 92533

CPT 92533 describes the caloric vestibular test, a procedure used to assess the patient’s vestibular system by irrigating warm and cold water or air into the ear. 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 92533?

CPT 92533 is a code used to describe the caloric vestibular test, which involves irrigating warm and cold water or air into the ear to create nystagmus. This test helps identify any disturbances in the patient’s vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and movement.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 92533 is: ‘Caloric vestibular test, each irrigation (binaural, bithermal stimulation constitutes 4 tests).’ This means that each irrigation, whether warm or cold, is considered a separate test. Binaural refers to both ears, and bithermal indicates the use of dual temperatures.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider performs the caloric vestibular test by irrigating warm and cold water or air into each ear of the patient.
2. They observe the patient for any differences in the reaction of the left and right ear after each irrigation.
3. The provider may refer to this test as a vestibular caloric stimulation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 92533 is used for patients who require a caloric vestibular test to assess their vestibular system. This test is typically performed by audiologists or other qualified healthcare professionals. It is important to note that the number of irrigations performed should be reported accurately, as each irrigation constitutes a separate test.

5. When to use CPT code 92533

CPT code 92533 should be used when a caloric vestibular test is performed on a patient. This test is used to evaluate the patient’s vestibular system and identify any abnormalities or disturbances. It is important to accurately report the number of irrigations performed, as this determines the appropriate code selection.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92533, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Number of irrigations performed (warm and cold)
• Observations of the patient’s reaction to each irrigation
• Date and time of the test
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 92533, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified healthcare provider and that the appropriate number of irrigations is reported. It is important to follow the guidelines provided by the payer and accurately document the test to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 92533 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2010, with the updated description reflecting the inclusion of binaural and bithermal stimulation.

9. Examples

1. An audiologist performing a caloric vestibular test on a patient to assess their vestibular system.
2. A healthcare provider irrigating warm and cold water into each ear of a patient to evaluate their balance and movement.
3. An otolaryngologist observing the patient’s reaction to the caloric vestibular test to identify any disturbances in their vestibular system.
4. A neurologist performing a caloric vestibular test on a patient with suspected vestibular dysfunction.
5. Audiologists conducting a caloric vestibular test as part of a comprehensive evaluation for a patient with balance issues.
6. A healthcare provider using binaural and bithermal stimulation to assess the patient’s vestibular system during a caloric vestibular test.
7. An otolaryngologist performing a caloric vestibular test on a patient with vertigo to determine the underlying cause.
8. Audiologists documenting the number of irrigations performed during a caloric vestibular test to accurately report CPT code 92533.
9. A healthcare provider performing a caloric vestibular test on a patient with a history of ear infections to assess their vestibular function.
10. An otolaryngologist using a caloric vestibular test to evaluate a patient’s response to warm and cold water irrigation in each ear.