How To Use CPT Code 92537

CPT 92537 describes a caloric vestibular test with recording, bilateral, specifically involving bithermal irrigation in each 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 92537?

CPT 92537 is used to describe a caloric vestibular test with recording, bilateral, using bithermal irrigation in each ear. This test evaluates the patient’s eye movements by sequentially irrigating both ears with warm and cold water. It helps assess the function of the nerves involved in hearing and measures the disturbance in the patient’s vestibular system.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 92537 is: ‘Caloric vestibular test with recording, bilateral; bithermal (i.e., one warm and one cool irrigation in each ear for a total of four irrigations).’ It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with CPT codes 92270 and 92538. For monothermal caloric vestibular testing, use CPT 92538.

3. Procedure

1. During a caloric vestibular test with recording, the healthcare provider flushes the patient’s ears sequentially with warm and cold water.
2. Electrodes placed around the patient’s eyes or infrared videonystagmography goggles are used to record the patient’s eye movements.
3. The provider observes the patient for any differences in reaction during the left and right ear irrigations and records the findings.
4. This test helps assess the patient’s vestibular function and can aid in the diagnosis of balance or vestibular disorders.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 92537 is used for patients who require a caloric vestibular test with recording, bilateral, using bithermal irrigation in each ear. This test is typically performed to evaluate balance or vestibular disorders. It is important to note that this code should not be reported with CPT codes 92270 and 92538.

5. When to use CPT code 92537

CPT code 92537 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a caloric vestibular test with recording, bilateral, using bithermal irrigation in each ear. This code is appropriate when evaluating patients with suspected balance or vestibular disorders. It should not be used for monothermal caloric vestibular testing, which has its own specific code (CPT 92538).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92537, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Details of the caloric vestibular test, including the use of bithermal irrigation in each ear
• Specific findings and observations during the test
• Recordings of the patient’s eye movements
• Date and duration of the test
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 92537, ensure that the test meets the criteria for a caloric vestibular test with recording, bilateral, using bithermal irrigation in each ear. It is important to note that this code should not be reported with CPT codes 92270 and 92538. Additionally, consider the use of modifiers if necessary. For monothermal caloric vestibular testing, use CPT 92538.

8. Historical information

CPT 92537 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2016. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a caloric vestibular test with recording, bilateral, using bithermal irrigation in each ear to evaluate a patient with suspected vestibular disorder.
2. During a caloric vestibular test with recording, bilateral, a patient’s eye movements are recorded while their ears are sequentially irrigated with warm and cold water.
3. A healthcare provider performs a caloric vestibular test with recording, bilateral, using bithermal irrigation in each ear to assess a patient’s balance function.
4. During a caloric vestibular test with recording, bilateral, a patient’s eye movements are observed and recorded during the irrigation of their ears with warm and cold water.
5. A healthcare provider uses CPT 92537 to bill for a caloric vestibular test with recording, bilateral, using bithermal irrigation in each ear for a patient with suspected vestibular dysfunction.
6. During a caloric vestibular test with recording, bilateral, a patient’s eye movements are monitored and recorded while their ears are irrigated with warm and cold water.
7. A healthcare provider performs a caloric vestibular test with recording, bilateral, using bithermal irrigation in each ear to evaluate a patient’s vestibular system.
8. During a caloric vestibular test with recording, bilateral, a patient’s eye movements are assessed and recorded during the irrigation of their ears with warm and cold water.
9. A healthcare provider uses CPT 92537 to bill for a caloric vestibular test with recording, bilateral, using bithermal irrigation in each ear for a patient with suspected balance disorder.
10. During a caloric vestibular test with recording, bilateral, a patient’s eye movements are examined and recorded while their ears are sequentially irrigated with warm and cold water.