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Pediatric Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Look to 'V' Code When Performing Hearing Screenings

Published on Sat Oct 09, 2010

Question: We performed a hearing screening on a 6-year-old patient and we aren't sure which procedure and diagnosis codes to report. We didn't perform any other well-patient services -- the patient simply hearing test so she could go to kindergarten. Can you advise?Answer: You should report 92551 (Screening test, pure tone, air only), with the hearing screening linked to diagnosis code V72.19 (Other examination of ears and hearing) in this situation, since the patient did not have any symptoms that would allow you to bill diagnostic ICD-9 codes. If the patient previously had a failed hearing screen, for instance, at school, then you'd report V72.11 (Encounter for hearing examination following failed hearing screening) instead.
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