Central Auditory Function Testing and Tinnitus Evaluation (March 2005)

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers determine how CPT’s updated auditory assessment categories fit into clinical documentation and reporting workflows. It also clarifies how the surrounding guidance relates to audiology practice and multidisciplinary evaluation settings.

Article Sections

1. Central Auditory Function Testing

   Overview of the CPT changes affecting central auditory function evaluation, including the introduction of new services and the removal of an older code. The section also discusses how the testing category is positioned within the CPT codebook.

2. CPT Restrictions

   General reporting limitations and cross-references connected to the central auditory function testing discussion. The section explains how the CPT guidance addresses related speech-language pathology use and overlapping testing scenarios.

3. Testing Protocols

   Broad discussion of the types of test procedures used in central auditory processing assessment. The section describes categories of stimuli and patient factors that can influence the selection of testing approaches.

4. Clinical Example: Code 92620

   A clinical vignette illustrating the context in which the central auditory function testing service may be performed. The section is followed by a procedure description that outlines the workflow at a high level.

5. Description of Procedure: Code 92620

   Stepwise procedural narrative for the central auditory function testing example. The section focuses on the general testing environment, administration sequence, and reporting workflow.

6. Tinnitus Evaluation

   Introduction to tinnitus assessment as a CPT reporting topic, including the overall purpose of the evaluation and the kinds of clinical issues it may address. The section also transitions into associated testing protocols and restrictions.

7. Testing Protocols

   General methods used in tinnitus assessment, including broad categories of matching, masking, and related measurement concepts. The section explains the purpose of these procedures without providing coding instructions.

8. CPT Restrictions

   Reporting limitations associated with tinnitus evaluation and a related loudness-testing code reference. The section also notes a modifier-related circumstance in broad terms.

9. Clinical Example: Code 92625

   A tinnitus-focused clinical scenario used to show the setting for the service. The vignette provides context for the procedure description that follows.

10. Description of Procedure: Code 92625

    Procedure narrative for tinnitus assessment, covering the general sequence of test administration and follow-up communication. The section summarizes the broad structure of the evaluation process.