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Central auditory function pertains to the brain's capability to interpret and process auditory signals that are transmitted from the peripheral nervous system. This evaluation is crucial for understanding how well an individual can perceive and comprehend sounds, particularly in complex auditory environments. During the assessment, an audiologist collects comprehensive medical, developmental, and family histories that relate to the patient's auditory processing abilities. Following this, a series of standardized tests are conducted, utilizing a CD that is played through a diagnostic audiometer, ensuring that sounds are presented at specific decibel levels for consistency and accuracy. One of the primary tests performed is word recognition, where the audiologist instructs the patient on how to respond, typically by repeating words they hear. The audiologist meticulously records the patient's responses, scoring each test based on both raw and standardized metrics, which are then visually represented on a graph for analysis. Throughout the testing process, the audiologist provides ongoing instructions and closely monitors the patient's performance. Once all tests are completed, the audiologist synthesizes the results, interpreting them in the context of the patient's age and identifying any specific stimuli or environments that may negatively impact central auditory function. A detailed report is subsequently generated for the referring physician, and if applicable, shared with any interdisciplinary team members involved in the patient's auditory evaluation.
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The evaluation of central auditory function is indicated for patients who exhibit difficulties in processing auditory information, which may manifest as challenges in understanding speech, particularly in noisy environments, or issues with sound localization. This assessment is essential for individuals with suspected auditory processing disorders, those with a history of hearing loss, or patients who have experienced neurological conditions that may affect auditory perception.
The procedure for evaluating central auditory function involves several key steps that ensure a comprehensive assessment of the patient's auditory processing abilities. Initially, the audiologist gathers pertinent medical, developmental, and family histories that may influence auditory function. This information is critical for contextualizing the results of the evaluation. Following the history-taking, the audiologist conducts a series of standardized tests. These tests are administered using a diagnostic audiometer, with sounds presented at predetermined decibel levels via a CD. One of the primary tests is word recognition, where the audiologist explains the procedure to the patient, providing clear instructions on how to respond. The patient is asked to repeat words they hear, and the audiologist meticulously records their responses. Each test is scored using both raw and standard scores, which are then plotted on a graph for visual representation. As the evaluation progresses, the audiologist continues to provide instructions and monitor the patient's performance, ensuring that the testing environment is conducive to accurate results. After all tests are completed, the audiologist compiles and interprets the results, taking into account the patient's age and identifying any specific auditory stimuli or environments that may adversely affect their central auditory function. Finally, a comprehensive report is prepared for the referring physician, and if an interdisciplinary team is involved, they also receive a detailed report of the findings.
Post-procedure care involves reviewing the results with the patient and discussing any identified issues related to central auditory function. The audiologist may provide recommendations for further evaluation or intervention based on the findings. Patients may also receive guidance on strategies to improve their auditory processing skills in daily life. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor progress or to conduct additional assessments if necessary. The detailed report generated during the evaluation is shared with the referring physician and any interdisciplinary team members involved in the patient's care, ensuring a collaborative approach to addressing the patient's auditory processing needs.
| Short Descr | AUDITORY FUNCTION 60 MIN | Medium Descr | EVAL CENTRAL AUDITORY FUNCJ W/REPRT 1ST 60 MIN | Long Descr | Evaluation of central auditory function, with report; initial 60 minutes | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | 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) | 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.
| 92621 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Physician Quality Reporting PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Evaluation of central auditory function, with report; each additional 15 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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. | 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 |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2005-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2005. |
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