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Official Description

Optokinetic nystagmus test, bidirectional, foveal or peripheral stimulation, with recording

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) test, identified by CPT® Code 92544, is a specialized diagnostic procedure used to assess eye movement responses to visual stimuli. This test involves bidirectional stimulation, which means that the visual targets move in both rightward and leftward directions. The procedure utilizes foveal or peripheral stimulation, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's eye movement capabilities. During the test, recording is conducted using electronystagmography (ENG), a technique that measures and records the electrical activity of the eye muscles. To perform the test, horizontal electrodes are strategically placed on the skin at the inner and outer aspects of each eye. As the patient observes a series of moving targets, which can include stripes on a rotating drum, a stream of lighted dots across a light bar, or a full-field array of moving stars or trees, their eye movements are recorded. The targets are moved at varying speeds, specifically at rates of 300, 400, or 600 feet per second, to elicit a response. The movement of the targets is then reversed, and the procedure is repeated, allowing for a thorough assessment of the eye's response to both directions of movement. The resulting eye movements generated during the test resemble nystagmus, a condition characterized by involuntary eye movement. After the test, the physician reviews the recorded data to evaluate the symmetry of the eye movement responses. An asymmetrical response may indicate potential central nervous system pathology, making this test a valuable tool in diagnosing various neurological conditions. Overall, the optokinetic nystagmus test is an essential procedure for understanding eye movement dynamics and identifying underlying health issues related to the central nervous system.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The optokinetic nystagmus test is indicated for the evaluation of various conditions related to eye movement and central nervous system function. The following are specific indications for performing this test:

  • Assessment of Nystagmus - The test is utilized to evaluate the presence and characteristics of nystagmus, which may indicate underlying neurological issues.
  • Diagnosis of Central Nervous System Pathology - It helps in identifying potential central nervous system disorders by analyzing the symmetry of eye movement responses.
  • Evaluation of Visual Processing - The test assesses how well the visual system processes moving stimuli, which is crucial for diagnosing visual and vestibular disorders.
  • Monitoring of Neurological Conditions - It can be used to monitor changes in eye movement patterns in patients with known neurological conditions.

2. Procedure

The optokinetic nystagmus test involves several key procedural steps to ensure accurate assessment of eye movements. The following outlines the detailed steps of the procedure:

  • Step 1: Preparation - The patient is positioned comfortably, and horizontal electrodes are placed on the skin at the inner and outer aspects of each eye. This setup is crucial for accurately recording eye movements during the test.
  • Step 2: Stimulation with Moving Targets - The patient is instructed to watch a series of visual targets that move simultaneously to the right. These targets can include various forms such as stripes on a rotating drum, lighted dots across a light bar, or a full-field array of moving stars or trees. The movement of these targets is designed to stimulate the visual system effectively.
  • Step 3: Recording Eye Movements - As the patient observes the moving targets, the ENG system records the eye movements. The targets are moved at specific rates of 300, 400, or 600 feet per second to elicit a robust response from the eyes.
  • Step 4: Reversal of Target Movement - After the initial rightward movement, the direction of the targets is reversed, and the procedure is repeated as the targets move simultaneously to the left. This step is essential for evaluating the symmetry of the eye movement responses.
  • Step 5: Data Analysis - Once the test is completed, the physician reviews the recorded data to analyze the eye movements. The symmetry of the responses is evaluated, and any asymmetry may indicate potential central nervous system pathology.

3. Post-Procedure

After the optokinetic nystagmus test, the patient may resume normal activities unless otherwise instructed by the physician. The physician will review the recorded data and discuss the findings with the patient, which may include recommendations for further evaluation or treatment based on the results. It is important for the physician to consider the symmetry of the eye movement responses, as any irregularities may warrant additional diagnostic testing or referrals to specialists for further investigation of potential neurological conditions.

Short Descr OPTOKINETIC NYSTAGMUS TEST
Medium Descr OPTKINETIC NYSTAG BIDIR/FOVEAL/PERIPH STIM W/REC
Long Descr Optokinetic nystagmus test, bidirectional, foveal or peripheral stimulation, with recording
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
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) T2D - Other tests - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 220 - Ophthalmologic and otologic diagnosis and treatment

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

92547 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N CPT Assistant Article Use of vertical electrodes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
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).
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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