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.