The Otolaryngology Coding Coach

KZA consultants discuss two frequently asked spine coding questions every month. Our coding experts are also available for hourly coding consultations and can provide a customized coding and documentation review for your practice.

The Team
Mary LeGrand	Kim Pollock

March 4, 2010

New Audiologic Function Test Codes

Question:

I notice some new codes in the 2010 CPT book but am having trouble figuring out how to use them. Can you please help?

 Answer:

Sure!  The new code, 92550 (Tympanometry and reflex threshold measurements) represents the combined services of existing codes 92567 and 92568.  So when both typanometry and acoustic reflex testing is performed, the new or “combined” code of 92550 should be reported.  If either 92567 (Tympanometry, impedance testing) or 92568 (Acoustic reflex testing, threshold) is performed alone then report the individual code performed.  It is not appropriate to report 92550 with 92567 or 92568.

The same is true for the new “combined” code 92570 (Acoustic immittance testing, includes tympanometry (impedance testing), acoustic reflex threshold testing, and acoustic reflex decay testing).  CPT 92570 represents the combined services of existing codes 92567 and 92568 as well as deleted code 92569 (Acoustic reflex testing; decay).  Again, if either 92567 or 92568 are performed alone then report the individual code performed.  It is not appropriate to report 92570 with 92567 or 92568. Remember, 92569 (Acoustic reflex testing; decay), was deleted in 2010.

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