Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: Our practice has a new medical assistant (MA) who performs audiograms. How should I report the service?

South Carolina Subscriber

Answer: Depending on your state's scope-of-practice laws, you should bill the test with the appropriate CPT code describing the audiological function test, such as 92552 (Pure tone audiometry [threshold]; air only), under the supervising physician's name. Many states permit MAs who receive training in audiologic testing to perform audiograms. Some states, however, have more stringent requirements, so you should check your state's regulations.

You must follow your state's or carrier's physician supervision laws for diagnostic tests. For instance, the 2003 National Physician Fee Schedule Relative Value File indicates that Medicare requires level "5" supervision or general supervision for audiograms (92552-92557). Because the test requires general supervision, not direct supervision, the otolaryngologist must provide overall supervision and control. But he does not need to be physically present on-site when ancillary staff, such as an MA, perform the service.