CurrentColorado Rocky Mountain Health PlansPolicy CS023.S

Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP)

Defines the medical policy for computerized dynamic posturography testing (CDP), its clinical evidence, applicability by state, and coding references for Colorado Rocky Mountain Health Plans (UnitedHealthcare Medical Policy CS023.S).

Policy Summary

PayerColorado Rocky Mountain Health Plans

PolicyComputerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP)

Policy CodePolicy CS023.S

Change TypeTemplate update; supporting information and clinical evidence updated

Effective DateApr 1, 2026

Next Review Date

Key ActionProviders should be aware that CDP testing (CPT 92548, 92549) is considered unproven and not medically necessary for evaluating any condition; benefit coverage is determined by federal, state, or contractual requirements.

POLICY UPDATE CHANGES

Template Update and removal of content/language pertaining to the state of Louisiana; Clinical Evidence section updated and previous policy version CS023.R archived.

0Covered Indications

2Referenced CPT Codes

Multiple small studiesEvidence Base Size

Coverage Summary

Overview: This policy (CS023.S) addresses Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP). Status: CURRENT. Effective date: April 1, 2026. Coverage stance: not covered (cosmetic / not medically necessary) for evaluation of any condition per the policy's determination.

Policy metadata

policy_numberCS023.S

subjectComputerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP)

effective_date2026-04-01

statusCURRENT

scope_summaryDefines the medical policy for computerized dynamic posturography testing (CDP), its clinical evidence, applicability by state, and coding references for Colorado Rocky Mountain Health Plans (UnitedHealthcare Medical Policy CS023.S).

Medical-Necessity Criteria

Medical Necessity Determination

Computerized dynamic posturography testing is considered:

CDP testing is unproven and not medically necessary for evaluating any condition, including but not limited to balance disorders, due to insufficient evidence of efficacy.

Not Covered / Experimental

Coverage stance: Computerized dynamic posturography testing is designated as not covered / not medically necessary because it is considered unproven for evaluating any condition, including but not limited to balance disorders. The policy states that CDP testing lacks sufficient evidence of efficacy and is therefore not medically necessary for evaluation. Benefit coverage may vary and is determined by federal, state, or contractual requirements, which should be consulted as noted in the provider guidance.

Coding

Referenced Procedure CodesCPT

92548	Computerized dynamic posturography sensory organization test (CDP-SOT), 6 conditions (i.e., eyes open, eyes closed, visual sway, platform sway, eyes closed platform sway, platform and visual sway), including interpretation and report.
92549	Computerized dynamic posturography sensory organization test (CDP-SOT), 6 conditions (i.e., eyes open, eyes closed, visual sway, platform sway, eyes closed platform sway, platform and visual sway), including interpretation and report; with motor control test (MCT) and adaptation test (ADT).

Provider Actions

Documentation Required

Do not submit CDP for medical necessity

Providers should be aware that CDP testing (CPT 92548, 92549) is considered unproven and not medically necessary for evaluating any condition; benefit coverage is determined by federal, state, or contractual requirements which may differ.

92548
92549

Background and Evidence

Background: Computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) is a platform-based assessment that evaluates an individual’s ability to maintain balance by manipulating vision, proprioception, and vestibular inputs and includes tests such as the Sensory Organization Test (SOT), Motor Control Test (MCT), and Adaptation Test (ADT).

Evidence limitations: The peer-reviewed literature provides weak and limited evidence for CDP’s diagnostic utility and clinical benefit. There is a lack of well-designed trials demonstrating CDP’s superiority or consistent impact on patient-relevant outcomes compared with standard vestibular tests, and systematic reviews and evidence reviews have found insufficient data to support clinical utility.

Evidence	Summary
Randomized controlled trial (David & Shahnaz 2024)	Small single-center RCT (n=37) comparing rehabilitative CDP (CVRT) vs home exercise showed improvements in SOT composite and dynamic equilibrium with CVRT, but had small sample size and methodological limitations; participant-reported outcomes improved in both groups with no between-group differences for most measures.
Hayes Evolving Evidence Review (2021, updated 2023)	Review found no studies meeting inclusion criteria for diagnostic performance or utility; weak support based on expert opinion and insufficient evidence for clinical or diagnostic utility of CDP.

Definitions

Clinical evidence highlights