Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Code 92550 Covers Both Ipsilateral and Contralateral Reflexes
Question: Does code 92550 only apply when ipsilateral and contralateral reflexes are performed? If the equipment is set up only to perform ipsilateral reflex measures, should we bill 92550 with modifier 52? I’ve been researching the issue and can’t find clarification.
Montana Subscriber
Answer: Code 92550 (Tympanometry and reflex threshold measurements) includes both ipsilateral and contralateral reflexes and testing of both ears. The services are done to evaluate the middle and inner ear for various ear diseases.
Append modifier 52 (Reduced services) if a test is applied to one ear instead of two, and include explanatory documentation.
Also: Do not report 92550 in conjunction with 92567 (Tympanometry [impedance testing]) or 92568 (Acoustic reflex testing, threshold).
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