How To Use CPT Code 92556

CPT 92556 describes the procedure for speech audiometry threshold, which is used to diagnose hearing disorders by measuring a patient’s ability to recognize familiar words and repeat them. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 92556?

CPT 92556 is used to measure a patient’s speech reception threshold (SRT) and assess their ability to understand words. During this procedure, the patient sits wearing earphones while the healthcare provider instructs them to repeat the words they hear. The provider starts with disyllable words at a volume the patient can hear and correctly repeat. Then, the provider gradually lowers the volume and gives random two-syllable words until the patient can no longer repeat half of the words given. The lowest level at which the patient can understand fifty percent of the spoken words is their SRT.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 92556 is: ‘Speech audiometry threshold; with speech recognition.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient sits wearing earphones.
2. The healthcare provider instructs the patient to repeat the words they hear.
3. The provider starts with disyllable words at a volume the patient can hear and correctly repeat.
4. The provider gradually lowers the volume and gives random two-syllable words.
5. The patient continues to repeat the words until they can no longer repeat half of the words given.
6. The lowest level at which the patient can understand fifty percent of the spoken words is their speech reception threshold (SRT).
7. The provider may also assess the patient’s ability to understand one-syllable words at a louder volume than the SRT to measure their clarity or ability to understand speech.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 92556 is used to diagnose hearing disorders and assess a patient’s ability to recognize and repeat words. It is typically performed when there is a suspected problem with the patient’s hearing. This procedure can help determine if the patient has conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, or other hearing deficits related to problems with the vestibulocochlear nerve. The provider may also use bone conduction mode if a middle or outer ear problem is suspected.

5. When to use CPT code 92556

CPT code 92556 should be used when a healthcare provider needs to measure a patient’s speech reception threshold (SRT) and assess their ability to understand words. It is appropriate to use this code when conducting speech audiometry threshold testing. However, it should not be reported if a test is only applied to one ear instead of both. Modifier 52, reduced services, can be used in such cases.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92556, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis or suspected hearing disorder
• Procedure performed, including speech reception threshold (SRT) testing and speech recognition
• Date of the procedure
• Results of the SRT testing and speech recognition
• Any additional relevant information or observations
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 92556, ensure that the procedure includes both speech reception threshold (SRT) testing and speech recognition. Modifier 52, reduced services, should be used if the test is only applied to one ear instead of both. It is important to review the descriptions of other audiologic function tests to determine the appropriate code to report for different hearing assessments. Additionally, consider any bundling of tests under one code and use the most specific code for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 92556 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider measures a patient’s speech reception threshold (SRT) and assesses their ability to understand words to diagnose a hearing disorder.
2. During a speech audiometry threshold procedure, the patient repeats words they hear through earphones, and the provider determines their SRT.
3. Audiologist performs speech recognition testing to assess a patient’s ability to understand words at different volumes.
4. A patient undergoes speech audiometry threshold testing to evaluate their hearing and determine if they would benefit from a hearing aid.
5. A healthcare provider uses CPT 92556 to measure a patient’s SRT and assess their speech recognition abilities as part of a comprehensive hearing evaluation.
6. During a speech audiometry threshold procedure, the provider determines the patient’s ability to recognize and repeat words at different volumes.
7. Audiologist performs speech recognition testing to evaluate a patient’s hearing and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
8. A patient undergoes speech audiometry threshold testing to assess their hearing abilities and determine if further intervention is necessary.
9. A healthcare provider uses CPT 92556 to measure a patient’s SRT and assess their speech recognition abilities to monitor the progression of their hearing disorder.
10. During a speech audiometry threshold procedure, the provider evaluates the patient’s ability to understand words and adjusts the volume accordingly.