How To Use CPT Code 92572

CPT 92572 describes the Staggered Spondaic Word Test, which is used to assess central auditory processing. 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 92572?

CPT 92572 is a code used to describe the Staggered Spondaic Word Test, a diagnostic test that evaluates a patient’s ability to separate and interpret competing speech. During this test, the patient wears earphones and is instructed to repeat words heard in the same order they are presented. The provider delivers two-syllable words in pairs, with a partial overlapping of the words. This test helps assess the patient’s central auditory processing abilities.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 92572 is: ‘The provider performs this dichotic test, where the patient receives different information in each ear in an overlapping manner, to access central auditory processing.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient sits while wearing earphones.
2. The provider delivers two-syllable words in pairs, with a partial overlapping of the words.
3. The patient is instructed to repeat the words heard in the same order they are presented.
4. The provider scores the patient’s response for each ear.

4. Qualifying circumstances

The Staggered Spondaic Word Test is used to evaluate patients with auditory processing disorders (APDs), which affect the way the brain processes sounds, especially speech. This test helps assess the patient’s ability to separate and interpret competing speech. It is important to note that this test is applicable to both ears, and modifier 52 should be used if the test is only applied to one ear.

5. When to use CPT code 92572

CPT code 92572 should be used when a provider performs the Staggered Spondaic Word Test to evaluate a patient’s central auditory processing abilities. This code is appropriate for patients with auditory processing disorders or those suspected of having difficulties in separating and interpreting competing speech.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 92572, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s symptoms or suspected auditory processing difficulties
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the test for each ear
• Any additional relevant information or observations

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 92572, ensure that the test is performed to evaluate central auditory processing. Modifier 52 should be used if the test is only applied to one ear. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate billing for this service.

8. Historical information

CPT code 92572 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 patient with suspected auditory processing difficulties undergoes the Staggered Spondaic Word Test to assess their central auditory processing abilities.
2. A child with a diagnosed auditory processing disorder receives the Staggered Spondaic Word Test to evaluate their ability to separate and interpret competing speech.
3. A patient experiencing difficulties in understanding speech in noisy environments undergoes the Staggered Spondaic Word Test to assess their central auditory processing abilities.
4. A teenager with a history of learning difficulties undergoes the Staggered Spondaic Word Test to evaluate their auditory processing skills.
5. An adult with suspected central auditory processing difficulties receives the Staggered Spondaic Word Test to assess their ability to separate and interpret competing speech.
6. A patient with a recent head injury undergoes the Staggered Spondaic Word Test to evaluate their central auditory processing abilities.
7. A child with a speech delay receives the Staggered Spondaic Word Test to assess their auditory processing skills.
8. An elderly individual with age-related hearing loss undergoes the Staggered Spondaic Word Test to evaluate their central auditory processing abilities.
9. A patient with a history of noise exposure undergoes the Staggered Spondaic Word Test to assess their auditory processing skills.
10. A student with difficulties in following instructions in a classroom setting receives the Staggered Spondaic Word Test to evaluate their central auditory processing abilities.