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The tone decay test, identified by CPT® Code 92563, is a specialized auditory assessment designed to evaluate sensorineural hearing loss. This test involves the use of earphones to deliver a continuous tone that is generated at the patient's individual hearing threshold. The primary objective of the tone decay test is to determine the patient's ability to perceive the tone over a specified duration, which is typically up to one minute. During the test, if the patient reports that they can no longer hear the tone before the one-minute mark is reached, the intensity of the tone is increased by 5 decibels. This process is repeated, allowing the clinician to assess the patient's auditory response to varying sound levels. The test continues until the patient is able to hear the tone for the full minute without further adjustments. Should the tone need to be increased by more than 5 decibels above the initial threshold for the patient to maintain perception, it may indicate the necessity for additional, separately reportable tests aimed at further evaluating sensorineural hearing loss. The results of the tone decay test, along with a comprehensive written interpretation of the findings, are provided to assist in the diagnostic process.
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The tone decay test is indicated for patients who exhibit symptoms or conditions suggestive of sensorineural hearing loss. This may include individuals who have difficulty hearing in noisy environments, report a gradual loss of hearing, or experience sudden changes in their auditory perception. The test is particularly useful for evaluating the integrity of the auditory system and determining the extent of hearing impairment.
The tone decay test is conducted in a controlled environment where the patient is fitted with earphones that deliver a continuous tone. The procedure begins by establishing the patient's hearing threshold, which is the lowest level at which the patient can detect sound. Once the threshold is determined, the continuous tone is set at this level and presented to the patient. The patient is instructed to indicate when they can no longer hear the tone. If the patient signals that they can no longer perceive the tone before the one-minute duration is completed, the audiologist will increase the tone's intensity by 5 decibels. This adjustment is made to assess the patient's ability to hear the tone at a higher intensity. The test is repeated under these conditions until the patient can maintain perception of the tone for the entire minute without further increases in intensity. If the tone must be raised by more than 5 decibels above the initial threshold for the patient to continue hearing it, this may suggest the need for additional tests to further evaluate the nature and extent of the sensorineural hearing loss.
After the tone decay test is completed, the results are analyzed to determine the patient's auditory capabilities. A written interpretation of the findings is provided, which includes details about the patient's performance during the test and any necessary recommendations for further evaluation or treatment. If the test indicates that the tone had to be increased significantly beyond the initial threshold, it may suggest the presence of more complex auditory issues that require additional testing. The patient may be advised on the next steps based on the results, which could include referrals to specialists or recommendations for hearing aids or other assistive devices, depending on the severity of the hearing loss identified.
| Short Descr | TONE DECAY HEARING TEST | Medium Descr | TONE DECAY TEST | Long Descr | Tone decay test | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 3 - Technical Component Only 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 | STV-Packaged Codes | Type of Service (TOS) | K - Hearing Items and Services | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T2D - Other tests - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 220 - Ophthalmologic and otologic diagnosis and treatment |
| 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 | 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). | GN | Services delivered under an outpatient speech language pathology plan of care | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | 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 |
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