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Official Description

Stimulus evoked response (eg, measurement of bulbocavernosus reflex latency time)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 51792 refers to a stimulus evoked response, specifically the measurement of bulbocavernosus reflex latency time. This procedure is significant in both male and female patients, as it assesses the functionality of the bulbocavernosus muscle, which plays a crucial role in urinary function and pelvic floor support. In males, the bulbocavernosus muscle is responsible for constricting the bulbous urethra, facilitating the expulsion of the last drops of urine during urination. In females, this muscle contributes to the stability and support of the pelvic floor, which is essential for various bodily functions. The stimulus evoked response is particularly useful in the evaluation of cauda equina syndrome, a condition that can lead to severe neurological deficits. During the procedure, stimulation is applied to the glans penis in males or the clitoris in females, which activates the sacral reflex arch located at the S2-S4 spinal segments. This stimulation allows for the assessment of motor activity in the urethral sphincter in men and the pelvic floor in women, providing valuable information regarding the integrity and responsiveness of the neural pathways involved in these functions.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The stimulus evoked response procedure is indicated for the evaluation of specific conditions and symptoms related to the functionality of the bulbocavernosus muscle and the associated neural pathways. The primary indications include:

  • Cauda Equina Syndrome This condition involves compression of the cauda equina, leading to neurological deficits that can affect bladder and bowel control, as well as sexual function.

2. Procedure

The procedure for measuring bulbocavernosus reflex latency time involves several key steps that ensure accurate assessment of the reflex response. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation The patient is positioned comfortably, and appropriate measures are taken to ensure their privacy and comfort. The clinician explains the procedure to the patient, addressing any questions or concerns to alleviate anxiety.
  • Step 2: Stimulation Application Stimulation is applied to the glans penis in male patients or the clitoris in female patients. This stimulation is crucial as it activates the sacral reflex arch, which is responsible for the reflexive response being measured.
  • Step 3: Reflex Response Measurement The clinician monitors and records the latency time of the bulbocavernosus reflex. This involves assessing the time taken for the motor response of the urethral sphincter in men or the pelvic floor in women to occur following the stimulation.
  • Step 4: Data Analysis The recorded latency times are analyzed to determine the functionality of the neural pathways involved. Any abnormalities in the response may indicate underlying neurological issues that require further investigation.

3. Post-Procedure

After the stimulus evoked response procedure, patients may be monitored for any immediate reactions to the stimulation. It is important to provide reassurance and information regarding any potential sensations they may experience. Patients are typically advised to resume normal activities unless otherwise directed by their healthcare provider. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results of the procedure and any necessary further evaluations or treatments based on the findings.

Short Descr URINARY REFLEX STUDY
Medium Descr STIMULUS EVOKED RESPONSE
Long Descr Stimulus evoked response (eg, measurement of bulbocavernosus reflex latency time)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
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
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 200 - Nonoperative urinary system measurements
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).
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
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.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
AG Primary physician
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
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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