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Official Description

Hearing aid examination and selection; binaural

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 92591 refers to the process of hearing aid examination and selection specifically for binaural (both ears) hearing aids. This procedure encompasses a comprehensive evaluation where the audiologist presents various hearing aid options to the patient. The examination does not have rigid definitions regarding the services included, primarily due to the variability in third-party payer reimbursement and the evolving nature of hearing aid technology. During the consultation, the audiologist discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each hearing aid type, as well as the associated costs, allowing the patient to make an informed decision based on their hearing needs and budgetary constraints. If the patient opts for an internal hearing aid, an ear mold is created to facilitate the construction of a custom-fitted device. Once the hearing aid is received, it is typically preprogrammed according to the patient's specific hearing prescription. The audiologist then verifies the programming to ensure it meets the required parameters. Following this, the patient returns for an initial fitting, where precise ear measurements are taken to confirm that the hearing aid's gain and output are appropriately adjusted to enhance speech perception across the patient's dynamic hearing range. This adjustment process is validated through sound field testing, which assesses the patient's ability to hear soft sounds and recognize speech in both quiet and noisy environments. Throughout this process, the audiologist also inquires about the sound quality and comfort of the hearing aid, making any necessary adjustments to optimize the patient's experience. It is important to note that codes 92590 and 92591 are reported only once for the selection and fitting of a new hearing aid, with code 92590 designated for unilateral (one ear) selection and examination, while code 92591 is specifically for bilateral (both ears) procedures.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 92591 is indicated for patients who require a hearing aid examination and selection for binaural hearing aids. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Hearing Loss Patients exhibiting signs of hearing loss that affects their ability to communicate effectively may benefit from a hearing aid examination.
  • Difficulty in Speech Recognition Individuals who struggle to recognize speech, especially in noisy environments, may require assistance in selecting appropriate hearing aids.
  • Patient Preference Patients seeking to improve their hearing capabilities and overall quality of life through the use of hearing aids.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 92591 involves several key steps that ensure the patient receives the most suitable hearing aid for their needs. Each step is crucial for the successful selection and fitting of the hearing aid.

  • Step 1: Presentation of Options The audiologist begins by presenting the patient with a variety of hearing aid options. This includes discussing the different types of hearing aids available, their features, and the pros and cons associated with each option. The audiologist provides detailed information to help the patient understand the differences in technology and cost.
  • Step 2: Discussion of Needs Following the presentation, the audiologist engages the patient in a discussion about their specific hearing needs and budget. This collaborative approach allows the patient to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option, ultimately leading to an informed decision regarding which hearing aid best meets their requirements.
  • Step 3: Ear Mold Creation If the patient selects an internal hearing aid, the audiologist will create an ear mold. This custom fitting is essential for ensuring that the hearing aid fits comfortably and effectively in the patient's ear.
  • Step 4: Programming Verification Once the hearing aid is received, it is typically preprogrammed according to the patient's hearing prescription. The audiologist checks the programming to confirm that the settings align with the patient's specific hearing needs.
  • Step 5: Initial Fitting The patient returns for an initial fitting appointment. During this visit, specialized ear measurements are taken to ensure that the gain and output of the hearing aid are accurately set to amplify speech within the patient's dynamic hearing range.
  • Step 6: Sound Field Testing The audiologist conducts sound field testing to evaluate the patient's ability to hear soft sounds and recognize speech at normal levels in both quiet and noisy environments. This testing is critical for validating the effectiveness of the hearing aid adjustments.
  • Step 7: Patient Feedback and Adjustments Throughout the fitting process, the audiologist queries the patient regarding the quality of sound and comfort of the hearing aid. Based on the patient's feedback, additional adjustments may be made to optimize the hearing aid's performance.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure associated with CPT® Code 92591, the patient is expected to follow up with the audiologist for any necessary adjustments and to monitor the effectiveness of the hearing aid. It is important for the patient to communicate any issues related to comfort or sound quality during these follow-up visits. The audiologist may provide additional support and guidance on the use and maintenance of the hearing aid to ensure optimal performance. Regular check-ups may also be recommended to assess the patient's hearing needs over time and to make any further adjustments as required.

Short Descr HEARING AID XM&SLCTN BINAURL
Medium Descr HEARING AID EXAMINATION & SELECTION BINAURAL
Long Descr Hearing aid examination and selection; binaural
Status Code Non-Covered Service
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Non-Covered Service, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) K - Hearing Items and Services
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T2D - Other tests - other
MUE 0
CCS Clinical Classification 220 - Ophthalmologic and otologic diagnosis and treatment
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
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
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
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
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).
24 Unrelated evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during a postoperative period: the physician or other qualified health care professional may need to indicate that an evaluation and management service was performed during a postoperative period for a reason(s) unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 24 to the appropriate level of e/m service.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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)
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
2025-01-01 Changed Short Description changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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