How To Use CPT Code 92588

CPT 92588 describes a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of distortion product evoked otoacoustic emissions. 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 92588?

CPT 92588 can be used to describe a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of distortion product evoked otoacoustic emissions. This test helps detect inner ear abnormalities and can assist in identifying conditions such as functional hearing loss or differentiating between sensory and neural hearing impairment.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 92588 is a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of distortion product evoked otoacoustic emissions. This evaluation involves quantitative analysis of outer hair cell function by cochlear mapping, with a minimum of 12 frequencies. It includes interpretation and a report. Please note that for central auditory function evaluation, different codes should be used (92620, 92621).

3. Procedure

1. The provider uses a computer with an ear probe tip.
2. The ear probe tip is placed into the patient’s ear canal.
3. The probe emits either a distortion product or a transient sound.
4. The sound passes through the tympanic membrane, middle ear, and inner ear.
5. The computer records the echo off the cochlear hair cells, known as quantitative analysis of outer hair cell function by cochlear mapping.
6. The test is repeated at different intensity levels and for at least twelve ranges of frequencies.
7. The results are compared to normative data, interpreted, and a report is prepared.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 92588 is used to assess the presence or absence of a hearing disorder. It is performed to detect inner ear abnormalities and differentiate between functional hearing loss and sensory or neural hearing impairment. The test is applicable to both ears and does not require any specific qualifying circumstances.

5. When to use CPT code 92588

CPT code 92588 should be used when a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of distortion product evoked otoacoustic emissions is performed. This test is appropriate when there is a need to assess the presence or absence of a hearing disorder and to detect inner ear abnormalities. It is not necessary to use this code for central auditory function evaluation, as separate codes are available for that purpose.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92588, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis or reason for the test
• Specific details of the test performed, including the use of distortion product evoked otoacoustic emissions and quantitative analysis of outer hair cell function by cochlear mapping
• Date of the test
• Results of the test, including any abnormalities or deviations from normative data
• Interpretation of the results
• Preparation of a report

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 92588, ensure that the test is performed as a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of distortion product evoked otoacoustic emissions. Use modifier 52, reduced services, if the test is applied to one ear instead of both. It is important to note that CPT 92588 should not be reported with other codes for central auditory function evaluation. Follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer for accurate and appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 92588 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1995. There have been historical changes to the code, including a code change on January 1, 2012. The updated description now includes a comparison of transient and/or distortion product otoacoustic emissions at multiple levels and frequencies.

9. Examples

1. Audiologist performing a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of distortion product evoked otoacoustic emissions for a patient with suspected inner ear abnormalities.
2. Provider conducting a quantitative analysis of outer hair cell function by cochlear mapping to assess the presence or absence of a hearing disorder in a pediatric patient.
3. Ear, nose, and throat specialist using CPT 92588 to differentiate between functional hearing loss and sensory hearing impairment in an adult patient.
4. Provider performing a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of distortion product evoked otoacoustic emissions to identify the cause of a patient’s functional hearing loss.
5. Audiologist using CPT 92588 to assess the outer hair cell function in a patient with suspected neural hearing impairment.
6. Provider conducting a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of distortion product evoked otoacoustic emissions to determine the effectiveness of cochlear mapping adjustments in a patient with a cochlear implant.
7. Ear, nose, and throat specialist performing a quantitative analysis of outer hair cell function by cochlear mapping to evaluate the impact of noise exposure on a patient’s hearing.
8. Audiologist using CPT 92588 to assess the presence of inner ear abnormalities in a patient with a history of recurrent ear infections.
9. Provider performing a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of distortion product evoked otoacoustic emissions to differentiate between functional hearing loss and sensory hearing impairment in a geriatric patient.
10. Ear, nose, and throat specialist using CPT 92588 to assess the outer hair cell function in a patient with suspected functional hearing loss.