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Official Description

Auditory evoked potentials; screening of auditory potential with broadband stimuli, automated analysis

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Auditory evoked potentials (AEP) refer to the measurable electrophysiological responses generated by the brain in reaction to auditory stimuli, such as acoustic pulses, brief tones, or short bursts of broadband clicks. These responses manifest as voltage fluctuations that occur following the presentation of sound stimuli. The primary purpose of AEP testing is to evaluate auditory neurological function and identify any potential hearing loss. The specific procedure associated with CPT® Code 92650 involves the screening of auditory evoked responses using broadband stimuli, which is particularly relevant for universal newborn hearing screenings. During this screening, sound stimuli are presented to each ear, and data is collected regarding the brain's evoked potential responses. This process is facilitated by an automated analysis conducted by a screening device, which utilizes a computer algorithm to interpret the data. The healthcare provider is responsible for monitoring electrode impedance and ensuring the presence or absence of valid responses as dictated by the algorithm. Ultimately, the screening yields a pass or refer result, indicating whether further evaluation is necessary. For cases where a child is referred for additional testing, CPT® Code 92651 is utilized to report post-screening or follow-up assessments, which focus on determining the auditory brainstem response (ABR) to the broadband sound stimuli.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The screening of auditory evoked potentials using CPT® Code 92650 is indicated for the following:

  • Universal Newborn Hearing Screening This procedure is performed to assess the hearing capabilities of newborns, ensuring early detection of potential hearing impairments.

2. Procedure

The procedure for screening auditory evoked potentials with broadband stimuli involves several key steps:

  • Step 1: Presentation of Sound Stimuli The screening begins with the presentation of sound stimuli, which can include acoustic pulses, brief tones, or broadband clicks, to each ear of the newborn. This is done to elicit auditory responses from the brain.
  • Step 2: Data Collection As the sound stimuli are presented, the screening device collects data regarding the evoked potential responses. This data collection is based on an automated computer algorithm that analyzes the brain's electrical activity in response to the auditory stimuli.
  • Step 3: Monitoring Electrode Impedance Throughout the procedure, the healthcare provider monitors the electrode impedance to ensure proper functioning of the electrodes and the validity of the responses being recorded.
  • Step 4: Interpretation of Responses The algorithm determines the presence or absence of valid responses. Based on this analysis, a pass or refer result is generated, indicating whether the newborn has passed the hearing screening or requires further evaluation.

3. Post-Procedure

After the screening procedure is completed, the results are communicated to the parents or guardians. If the newborn receives a "refer" result, it indicates the need for follow-up testing to further assess auditory function. This follow-up testing is reported using CPT® Code 92651, which focuses on determining the auditory brainstem response (ABR) to broadband sound stimuli. It is important to note that follow-up testing may be conducted while the infant is sleeping or under anesthesia for children aged 6 months to 7 years. The results of the follow-up testing will be documented in a written report, providing detailed findings regarding the child's auditory capabilities.

Short Descr AEP SCR AUDITORY POTENTIAL
Medium Descr AEP SCR AUDITORY POTENTIAL W/STIMULI AUTO ALYS
Long Descr Auditory evoked potentials; screening of auditory potential with broadband stimuli, automated analysis
Status Code Non-Covered Service
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 Non-Covered Service, not paid under OPPS
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE 1
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).
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
GN Services delivered under an outpatient speech language pathology plan of care
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
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
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
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2021-01-01 Added Code added.
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