CPT® Code 92627

Add-On Code

Evaluation of auditory function for surgically implanted device(s) candidacy or postoperative status of a surgically implanted device(s); each additional 15 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

The evaluation of auditory function for surgically implanted device candidacy or postoperative status is a critical process that assesses whether a patient qualifies for devices such as cochlear implants. This evaluation is particularly important for individuals with significant hearing disabilities who may not benefit from traditional hearing aids. The procedure begins with a comprehensive case history that explores various factors contributing to the patient's hearing loss. This includes inquiries about recent changes in the ability to understand speech, any family history of hearing loss, and the current use of hearing aids. The provider evaluates the functional integrity of the existing hearing aid, assessing its effectiveness and any improvements that may have been achieved through adjustments or optimizations. During the evaluation, the patient is placed in a controlled sound booth, where loudspeakers are strategically positioned to create a spherical coordinate system around the patient. This setup allows for precise control over the sound presentation and intensity levels. The assessment involves testing the patient's ability to perceive speech and understand both words and sentences in a quiet environment, with varying intensity levels from different loudspeaker locations. Additionally, the testing is repeated in the presence of background noise to gauge the patient's auditory performance under more challenging conditions. The results of these tests are quantified separately for each ear, both with and without the amplification device, and are also assessed binaurally. Standard performance measures are utilized to interpret the results, which ultimately help determine the potential success of an implant. Furthermore, similar evaluations may be conducted postoperatively to monitor auditory function after the surgical placement of the device. For billing purposes, the initial hour of evaluation is reported using CPT® code 92626, while each additional 15 minutes of evaluation is reported with CPT® code 92627.