Implantation of a complete cochlear implant is assigned to ICD-9-CM codes 20.96 to 20.98. The specific code assignment depends on whether the device is single channel or multichannel. Code 20.97 is for the implantation of a single-channel cochlear prosthetic device. Code 20.98 is for implantation of a multiple-channel cochlear prosthetic device.
92601, Diagnostic analysis of cochlear implant, patient under 7 years of age; with programming 92602, Diagnostic analysis of cochlear implant, patient under 7 years of age; subsequent programming 92603, Diagnostic analysis of cochlear implant, age 7 years or older; with programming
A cochlear implant device is an electronic instrument, part of which is implanted surgically to stimulate auditory nerve fibers, and part of which is worn or carried by the individual to capture, analyze, and code sound. Cochlear implant devices are available in single-channel and multi-channel models.
Diagnosis Index entries containing back-references to Z96.21: Presence (of) ear implant Z96.20 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Z96.20. Presence of otological and audiological implant, unspecified 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Billable/Specific Code Replacement by artificial or mechanical device or prosthesis of cochlea Z96.21
Please Note: This may not be an exhaustive list of all applicable Medicare benefit categories for this item or service. A cochlear implant device is an electronic instrument, part of which is implanted surgically to stimulate auditory nerve fibers, and part of which is worn or carried by the individual to capture, analyze, and code sound.
Z96.21ICD-10 code Z96. 21 for Cochlear implant status is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Factors influencing health status and contact with health services .
Diagnostic analysis and programming/reprogramming services related to cochlear implants are reported with CPT codes 92601 through 92604. Cochlear implant troubleshooting is reported using 92700 or L9900. Aural rehabilitation is reported using 92630 or 92633. Tinnitus evaluation is reported using 92625.
Bill for Cochlear Implantation (CI) “By Report” Physician services (surgeon) are billed using CPT® code 69930 (cochlear device implantation, with or without mastoidectomy) “By Report.”
Cochlear implants use a sound processor that fits behind the ear. The processor captures sound signals and sends them to a receiver implanted under the skin behind the ear. The receiver sends the signals to electrodes implanted in the snail-shaped inner ear (cochlea).
V5261, or "Hearing aid, digital, binaural, BTE," is very appropriate when billing for two binaural, digital behind the ear hearing aids as that is what the HCPCS code description specifies. It should be billed as one unit (which is two hearing aids.)
20670 - is for the simple removal of hardware, usually in the office. If an incision is performed, it's very shallow. 20680 - requires an deep incision (usually through muscle) and visualization of the hardware by the surgeon. Only reported in the OR, never in the office.
Table 2: Other CPT Codes of Interest to AudiologistsCPT CodeSpecial Medicare Rules92590Not covered. Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids or services directly related to hearing aids.92591925929259340 more rows
V5010 is a valid 2022 HCPCS code for Assessment for hearing aid used in Hearing items and services.
4. CPT codes 92601-92604, when billing this code range, if bilateral analysis, fitting, and adjustments of bilateral cochlear implants, CMS recommends that a -22 modifier (unusual procedural service) be added to the applicable code.
Cochlear makes two different types of implantable devices for the American hearing care market: a cochlear implant and a bone-anchored hearing aid (Baha).
Hearing aids amplify acoustic sound generally and/or by specific frequencies. A cochlear implant device allows you to hear in a different way. This is called electrical stimulation. A surgically placed implant bypasses your inner ear.
The auditory brainstem implant bypasses the inner ear and the auditory nerve. It uses an array of electrodes to stimulate the hearing pathways on the brainstem directly. Cochlear implant surgery is an inner ear surgery. Auditory brainstem implant surgery is brain surgery and is much more complex.
Code +69990 should be reported (without modifier 51 appended) in addition to the code for the primary procedure performed. Do not use +69990 for visualization with magnifying loupes or corrected vision.
4. CPT codes 92601-92604, when billing this code range, if bilateral analysis, fitting, and adjustments of bilateral cochlear implants, CMS recommends that a -22 modifier (unusual procedural service) be added to the applicable code.
I have read to use modifier 50, RT & LT, or 22 to indicate bilateral, but our coding program says that these CPT codes do not allow any of those modifiers and that 92601-92604 is representative of a bilateral procedure and to add modifier 52 if performed unilaterally.
Today, Medicare not only covers the cochlear implant, but also its accessories such as microphones and batteries. The surgery may include additional coverage from the use of operating microscope to intra-surgical monitoring.
Cochlear implants are used in patients with profound hearing loss due to disease, injury, or toxins. They cannot restore normal hearing but will allow patients to hear rhythms of speech and intonation of voice. The cochlear prosthetic device consists of several components.
Code 20.99 is for the implantation of the electrode only or the receiver only. Codes 20.96 to 20.98 include the code for mastoidectomy, if performed. Therefore, do not assign a code for the mastoidectomy when performed with the cochlear implant procedure.
It is generally performed for conductive hearing loss . Although it is not as effective or as comfortable as the battery-powered hearing aid, it is used by patients who cannot wear the hearing aid. Hearing Loss. Hearing loss is assigned to category 389.
The hearing aid includes a microphone to pick up sounds, an amplifier to increase the sound’s volume, and a speaker to transmit the amplified sounds. This nonsurgical device is generally used for mild to moderate conductive hearing loss.
Sensory hearing loss (389.11) is when the inner ear/cochlea is affected. Neural hearing loss (389.12) is when the auditory/acoustic nerve or auditory nerve pathways in the brain are affected. Central hearing loss (389.14) is when the central neural pathways in the brain are affected.
The external components include the external transmitter, the microphone, and the sound processor. Other hearing devices used to treat hearing loss include the following: • Externally-worn, battery-powered hearing aid (95.49): This device is the most common and least expensive.
A wire connects the electrodes to the receiver. An external transmitter (also called an external coil) is worn directly over the receiver. The transmitter is connected to a microphone and a sound (or speech) processor. The sound processor can be worn in a pocket or special holster.
Aetna’s follow-up services are remarkable for audiologists and speech-language pathologists. All of the following additional medical necessity criteria also must be met for uniaural or binaural cochlear implantation in adults and children: 1 No medical contraindications to cochlear implantation. 2 Assessment by an audiologist and an otolaryngologist experienced in this procedure indicating the likelihood of success with a cochlear implant. 3 Enrollment in an educational program that supports listening and speaking with aided hearing. 4 Arrangements for appropriate follow-up care including long-term speech-language treatment to take full advantage of this device.
Cochlear implants (CIs) are an ever-evolving issue for audiologists. Children are identified with hearing loss at younger ages and new approaches to treating hearing loss are emerging, giving rise to more questions about how health plans (public and private) cover cochlear implants and related services.
Cigna (search “cochlear implants”) covers unilateral or bilateral cochlear implants as medically necessary for individuals with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss when there is reasonable expectation that a significant benefit will be achieved from the device and when age-specific criteria are met.
Q: Does Medicare have a specific policy regarding cochlear implants? Yes. An article in MLN Matters, a publication of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Medicare Learning Network, describes Medicare coverage for CI services that became effective April 4, 2005.
Providers should remember that Medicare restricts coverage of audiology services to diagnostic testing only. Medicare is also clear that SLPs must use CPT 92507 for treatment services, including auditory rehabilitation. Payers other than Medicare should accept all of the auditory rehabilitation codes.
Please Note: This may not be an exhaustive list of all applicable Medicare benefit categories for this item or service.
This NCD has been or is currently being reviewed under the National Coverage Determination process. The following are existing associations with NCAs, from the National Coverage Analyses database.