How To Use CPT Code 92579

CPT 92579 describes the assessment of hearing in infants and toddlers using visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA). 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 92579?

CPT 92579 can be used to describe the assessment of hearing in infants and toddlers using visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA). This code is used when a provider fits the patient with an earphone in a room equipped with animated toys that are visible only when activated. The provider activates the toys, with flashes of light and sound signals simultaneously, to reinforce the patient’s response to auditory stimuli. The minimum sound level at which the patient responds is measured, and the type and severity of hearing loss are determined.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 92579 is: ‘Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA), assessment of hearing in children that combines sound sources with visual cues in the form of animated toys.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider fits the patient with an earphone in a room equipped with animated toys.
2. The provider activates the toys, with flashes of light and sound signals simultaneously.
3. The patient’s response to auditory stimuli is reinforced by the lighted toys.
4. The provider measures the minimum sound level at which the patient responds.
5. The type and severity of hearing loss are determined based on the patient’s responses.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 92579 is used for the assessment of hearing in infants and toddlers. It is performed using visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) techniques, which combine sound sources with visual cues in the form of animated toys. This code is appropriate when the provider fits the patient with an earphone and uses animated toys to reinforce the patient’s response to auditory stimuli. The assessment helps determine the type and severity of hearing loss in children.

5. When to use CPT code 92579

CPT code 92579 should be used when performing a visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) assessment of hearing in infants and toddlers. It is specifically designed for children and involves the use of animated toys to reinforce the patient’s response to auditory stimuli. This code should not be used for comprehensive audiometry threshold evaluation and speech recognition, which is represented by a different CPT code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92579, the provider must document the following information:

• Description of the VRA assessment performed
• Date of the assessment
• Start and end time of the assessment
• Details of the patient’s response to auditory stimuli
• Type and severity of hearing loss determined
• Signature of the provider performing the assessment

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 92579, ensure that the assessment is performed using visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) techniques in infants and toddlers. This code should not be reported with other codes that represent different types of audiometry evaluations. It is important to document the process and findings in the patient’s chart to support the claim for reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 92579 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1996. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) assessment on a 1-year-old child using animated toys to evaluate their hearing.
2. An audiologist fits an earphone on a 2-year-old patient and uses visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) techniques to assess their hearing.
3. A pediatrician performs a VRA assessment on a 6-month-old infant, using animated toys to reinforce their response to auditory stimuli.
4. A speech-language pathologist conducts a VRA assessment on a 3-year-old child to evaluate their hearing abilities.
5. An otolaryngologist performs a VRA assessment on a 4-year-old patient to determine the type and severity of their hearing loss.
6. A provider uses VRA techniques to assess the hearing of a 1-year-old child, measuring their response to auditory stimuli using animated toys.
7. An audiologist performs a VRA assessment on a 2-year-old patient, using visual cues and sound sources to evaluate their hearing abilities.
8. A pediatrician conducts a VRA assessment on a 6-month-old infant, using animated toys to reinforce their response to auditory stimuli.
9. A speech-language pathologist evaluates the hearing of a 3-year-old child using VRA techniques and animated toys.
10. An otolaryngologist performs a VRA assessment on a 4-year-old patient to determine the extent of their hearing loss.