How To Use CPT Code 92548

CPT 92548 describes the computerized dynamic posturography sensory organization test (CDP-SOT) with 6 specific conditions, including interpretation and report. 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 92548?

CPT 92548 can be used to describe the computerized dynamic posturography sensory organization test (CDP-SOT) with 6 specific conditions. This test evaluates a patient’s motor, sensory, and integrative processes used to maintain balance and stability. The provider assesses the patient’s balance under various conditions, including eyes open, eyes closed, visual sway, platform sway, eyes closed platform sway, and platform and visual sway. The test includes interpretation and report.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 92548 is: ‘Computerized dynamic posturography sensory organization test (CDP-SOT), 6 conditions (ie, eyes open, eyes closed, visual sway, platform sway, eyes closed platform sway, platform and visual sway), including interpretation and report.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient stands on a support platform that can tilt up and back and rotate.
2. The provider assesses the patient’s balance with tests involving elements such as touch, vision, and the vestibular system.
3. The provider asks the patient to stand on a platform with force plates surrounded by a visual field.
4. The provider alters the angle of the platform and shifts the visual field to initiate the automated test.
5. The provider monitors visual and vestibular information relevant to postural control.
6. The provider records changes using electromyography and reviews any unusual findings before completion of the study.
7. The provider interprets the findings and prepares a report.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 92548 is performed to evaluate a patient’s motor, sensory, and integrative processes used to maintain balance and stability. It is typically used for patients who may have balance disorders or neurological conditions affecting their balance. The test assesses elements such as touch, vision, and the vestibular system. The provider must perform the test with the specified 6 conditions and provide interpretation and a report.

5. When to use CPT code 92548

CPT code 92548 should be used when a provider performs the computerized dynamic posturography sensory organization test (CDP-SOT) with the specified 6 conditions and provides interpretation and a report. This code is appropriate for patients who require evaluation of their balance and stability, particularly those with suspected balance disorders or neurological conditions affecting their balance.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92548, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s symptoms or suspected condition necessitating the test
• Specific 6 conditions performed during the test (eyes open, eyes closed, visual sway, platform sway, eyes closed platform sway, platform and visual sway)
• Date and duration of the test
• Interpretation of the test results
• Report summarizing the findings and recommendations

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 92548, ensure that the provider performs the computerized dynamic posturography sensory organization test (CDP-SOT) with the specified 6 conditions and provides interpretation and a report. If reporting only the professional component, append modifier 26 to the code. If reporting only the technical component, append modifier TC to the code. Do not append modifiers if reporting a global service where one provider renders both the professional and technical components. Review any additional billing guidelines from payers to ensure accurate reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 92548 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1997. The code was last updated on January 1, 2020, with a change in the code description to specify ‘Computerized dynamic posturography sensory organization test.’

9. Examples

1. A patient with a history of recurrent falls undergoes the computerized dynamic posturography sensory organization test (CDP-SOT) to evaluate their balance and stability.
2. A patient with suspected vestibular dysfunction undergoes the computerized dynamic posturography sensory organization test (CDP-SOT) to assess their motor, sensory, and integrative processes used for balance.
3. A patient with a recent head injury undergoes the computerized dynamic posturography sensory organization test (CDP-SOT) to evaluate their postural control and balance.
4. A patient with a neurological condition affecting their balance undergoes the computerized dynamic posturography sensory organization test (CDP-SOT) to assess their motor and sensory responses.
5. A patient with complaints of dizziness and vertigo undergoes the computerized dynamic posturography sensory organization test (CDP-SOT) to determine the underlying cause of their symptoms.
6. A patient with a history of inner ear infections undergoes the computerized dynamic posturography sensory organization test (CDP-SOT) to evaluate their vestibular function and balance.
7. A patient with a known balance disorder undergoes the computerized dynamic posturography sensory organization test (CDP-SOT) to monitor their progress and assess the effectiveness of their treatment.
8. A patient with a history of migraines undergoes the computerized dynamic posturography sensory organization test (CDP-SOT) to evaluate their balance and stability during and between migraine episodes.