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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 diagnosing various conditions that may cause dizziness or auditory symptoms. The VEMP test involves the application of auditory stimuli, typically loud, repetitive sounds such as clicks or pulses, delivered to one ear at a time. This can also be achieved through bone conduction vibrations. During the test, the muscle activity in response to these stimuli is monitored and recorded using electromyography (EMG). The cervical VEMP (cVEMP) focuses on measuring the activation of the ipsilateral sternocleidomastoid muscle, while the ocular VEMP (oVEMP) assesses the response from the contralateral eye muscles. The procedure is conducted with the patient’s head positioned to one side, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the vestibular labyrinth's integrity, specifically the saccule and utricle, as well as the associated vestibular nerves. The results of the VEMP testing are analyzed to determine response amplitude symmetry between the ears and are compared against normative data, culminating in a detailed interpretation and report. This comprehensive approach ensures that both cervical and ocular VEMP testing are performed, providing a thorough understanding of the vestibular function and aiding in the diagnosis of related disorders.
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VEMP testing is indicated for patients experiencing symptoms related to vestibular dysfunction. The following conditions may warrant the use of this diagnostic procedure:
The VEMP testing procedure consists of several key steps to ensure accurate assessment of vestibular function:
After the completion of VEMP testing, patients may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate adverse effects from the auditory stimuli. Typically, there are no significant post-procedure care requirements, and patients can resume normal activities immediately. The results of the VEMP tests will be compiled into a detailed report, which will include the interpretation of the findings and any recommendations for further evaluation or treatment based on the results. It is essential for healthcare providers to discuss the findings with the patient to provide clarity on the implications of the test results and any necessary follow-up actions.
| Short Descr | VEMP TST I&R CERVICAL&OCULAR | Medium Descr | CERVICAL & OCULAR VEMP TESTING W/I&R | Long Descr | Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing, with interpretation and report; cervical (cVEMP) and ocular (oVEMP) | 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 |
| GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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. | 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). | 77 | Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | AB | Audiology service furnished personally by an audiologist without a physician/npp order for non-acute hearing assessment unrelated to disequilibrium, or hearing aids, or examinations for the purpose of prescribing, fitting, or changing hearing aids; service may be performed once every 12 months, per beneficiary | 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 | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2021-01-01 | Added | Code added. |
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