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Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing is a specialized diagnostic procedure used to assess the function of the vestibular system, which is crucial for balance and spatial orientation. This testing is particularly valuable in identifying the underlying causes of dizziness or auditory symptoms that patients may experience. The technique involves the application of auditory stimuli, typically loud, repetitive sounds such as clicks or pulses, delivered to one ear at a time. In the case of cervical VEMP (CPT® Code 92517), the focus is on measuring the activation of the ipsilateral sternocleidomastoid muscle, which is monitored through electromyography (EMG). The procedure requires the patient to position their head to one side while the sound stimulus is presented, allowing for precise measurement of muscle response. The testing protocol includes varying stimulus levels and frequencies, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the vestibular labyrinth's saccule and the inferior branch of the vestibular nerve. The results obtained from this testing are crucial for interpreting the integrity of the vestibular system and are compiled into a detailed report for further clinical assessment.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The indications for cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) testing include the following:
The procedure for cervical VEMP testing involves several key steps to ensure accurate assessment of vestibular function:
After the cervical VEMP testing is completed, the patient may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate adverse effects from the procedure. The results are compiled into a detailed report, which includes the findings from the muscle response measurements and any relevant interpretations. This report is essential for the physician to make informed decisions regarding further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. Patients are typically advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results and any necessary next steps in their care.
| Short Descr | VEMP TEST I&R CERVICAL | Medium Descr | CERVICAL VEMP TESTING W/I&R | Long Descr | Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing, with interpretation and report; cervical (cVEMP) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 2 - 150% payment adjustment does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 02 - Procedure must be performed under the direct supervision of a physician. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple | Type of Service (TOS) | 1 - Medical Care | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 1 |
| 52 | Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| 2021-01-01 | Added | Code added. |
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