Summary & Overview
CPT 92567: Tympanometry with Middle-Ear Pressure Assessment
CPT code 92567 denotes a diagnostic audiology procedure that evaluates middle ear function by varying air pressure to determine causes of hearing loss. This middle-ear pressure test (tympanometry variant) is a commonly used objective measure in audiology and otolaryngology to detect middle ear effusion, eustachian tube dysfunction, and other conductive pathologies. Nationally, accurate coding of 92567 matters for clinical documentation, appropriate site-of-service designation, and payer adjudication for diagnostic audiology services.
Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication outlines coverage considerations and typical use across outpatient audiology and hospital outpatient settings.
Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical purpose of CPT code 92567, guidance on where the service is typically provided, and the types of benchmarks and policy topics covered in the full publication: payer coverage patterns, coding and billing nuances, and clinical context for when this diagnostic test is indicated. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 92567 describes an audiologic procedure that assesses middle ear function by varying the air pressure presented to the ear to help identify causes of hearing loss. The test evaluates the mobility of the tympanic membrane and ossicular chain in response to pressure changes and aids in diagnosing conditions such as eustachian tube dysfunction, middle ear effusion, or tympanic membrane perforation.
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Service type: Diagnostic audiology test (tympanometry with pressure change)
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Typical site of service: Outpatient clinic or ambulatory audiology center; may also be performed in hospital outpatient departments where audiologic diagnostic services are provided.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 45-year-old patient presents to an outpatient audiology clinic with a 3-week history of unilateral hearing loss and intermittent aural fullness following an upper respiratory infection. The audiologist performs a focused history and basic otoscopic exam, then orders middle-ear function testing to distinguish conductive from sensorineural causes. Tympanometry (92567) is performed by a qualified audiologist or otolaryngologist in a clinic or ambulatory audiology suite. The workflow includes patient preparation (removal of cerumen if needed), positioning, insertion of an ear probe tip to create a hermetic seal, and automated or manual pressure sweeps while acoustic immittance is recorded. Results are interpreted to identify tympanogram type (A, As, Ad, B, C), middle-ear effusion, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or ossicular fixation. Findings guide next steps such as ear clearance, medical therapy, referral to otolaryngology, or further audiologic testing including pure tone audiometry and otoacoustic emissions. Typical sites of service are outpatient audiology clinics, otolaryngology offices, and hospital outpatient departments. Patients commonly include children evaluated for recurrent otitis media, adults with new conductive hearing loss, and post-operative patients monitored for middle ear status.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
25 | Significant, separately identifiable E/M service by the same physician on the same day |