CPT code 92550: Middle-ear testing, tympanometry and reflex thresholds2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Washington, DC area

Reports tympanometry together with acoustic reflex threshold testing to assess middle-ear function, commonly during evaluation of hearing loss or suspected middle-ear dysfunction.

CMS RVU26DEffective Oct 1, 2026One payment locality180K Medicare services in 2024

In Washington, DC area, Medicare pays $24.10 for 92550 in the office.

$24.10Office (non-facility)
Not available in this settingHospital or facility
+11.0%vs the national office rate ($21.71)

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 92550 nationwide

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

We’ll open 92550 for the payment locality that covers the ZIP.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Rate in Washington, DC area
  2. What 92550 covers
  3. Compared with other areas
  4. Rate map
  5. How it’s calculated
  6. Payment rules
  7. Related codes
  8. Rate history
  9. Where it applies
  10. Billing questions
  11. Sources

What 92550 covers

This service combines tympanometry, which measures middle-ear response to changes in ear-canal pressure, with acoustic reflex threshold testing, which checks the sound level that elicits a middle-ear muscle reflex. Audiologists commonly perform it in an audiology clinic or ENT practice when assessing hearing loss, abnormal middle-ear findings, or suspected eustachian tube or middle-ear dysfunction. Results help characterize middle-ear function alongside other hearing test findings.

Report 92550 when both tympanometry and reflex threshold measurements are performed; use a single-component code when only one of those tests is done. The record should identify the clinical reason for testing and include the findings for the measures performed. CMS prices this code as bilateral, so modifier 50 does not increase payment. The professional component modifier does not apply; do not split the service into professional and technical claims using modifier 26.

This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.

How Washington, DC area compares for 92550

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 92550 runs from $20.18 in Arkansas to $28.04 in Alaska. Washington, DC area pays $24.10. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

92550 in Washington, DC area vs other payment areas
  1. Washington, DC area · this page$24.10
  2. Los Angeles, CA · California$23.85−$0.25
  3. Miami, FL · Florida$22.62−$1.48
  4. Chicago, IL · Illinois$22.27−$1.83
  5. Manhattan, NY · New York$24.22+$0.12
  6. Alaska · Alaska$28.04+$3.94
  7. Alabama · Alabama$20.35−$3.75

Other areas in District of Columbia first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.

Every other payment area

92550 in every other Medicare payment locality
Payment localityOfficeFacility
ArkansasArkansas$20.18—
ArizonaArizona$21.36—
Bakersfield, CACalifornia$22.73—
Chico, CACalifornia$22.68—
El Centro, CACalifornia$22.69—
Fresno, CACalifornia$22.68—
Hanford, CACalifornia$22.68—
Madera, CACalifornia$22.68—

92550 rates by state

Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.

Explore a state

Local rates. Clear comparisons.

Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.

$20.18

$28.04

Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.

View every state and territory as a table
92550 office rate range by state
State / territoryOffice rate rangeLocalities
AK$28.041
AL$20.351
AR$20.181
AZ$21.361
CA$22.68–$27.1229
CO$22.401
CT$22.761
DC$24.101
DE$21.621
FL$21.45–$22.623
GA$20.73–$21.972
GU$22.901
HI$22.901
IA$20.691
ID$20.761
IL$21.06–$22.314
IN$20.831
KS$20.621
KY$20.611
LA$20.58–$21.182
MA$22.34–$24.032
MD$21.92–$24.103
ME$20.81–$21.502
MI$20.91–$21.602
MN$21.761
MO$20.37–$21.253
MS$20.281
MT$21.711
NC$20.941
ND$21.511
NE$20.761
NH$22.071
NJ$23.10–$24.022
NM$20.971
NV$21.661
NY$21.13–$24.585
OH$20.871
OK$20.601
OR$21.57–$22.892
PA$20.90–$22.382
PR$21.811
RI$22.221
SC$20.921
SD$21.491
TN$20.671
TX$20.82–$22.268
UT$21.101
VA$21.45–$24.102
VI$21.811
VT$21.451
WA$22.30–$24.432
WI$21.071
WV$20.591
WY$21.621

See 92550 in every payment locality

How the 92550 rate is calculated

Each of 92550’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.

How the rate is built · 92550

RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor

Office or facility?

Work0.35

0.35 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Practice expense0.29

0.29 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Malpractice0.01

0.01 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI

Adjusted RVUs

0.6500

Conversion factor

$33.4009

Medicare rate

$21.71

Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.

The exact Washington, DC area inputs and CMS source lines

PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv

11,828

Code
92550
Physician work
0.35
Practice expense
0.29
Malpractice
0.01

GPCI2026.csv

39

Locality
Washington, DC area
Physician work
1.054
Practice expense
1.178
Malpractice
1.113
Office calculation for 92550 in Washington, DC area
ComponentRVULocality factorAdjusted
Physician work0.35× 1.0540.3689
Practice expense0.29× 1.1780.3416
Malpractice0.01× 1.1130.0111
Total RVUs0.7217
Conversion factor× 33.4009

Office rate, Washington, DC area$24.10

Office: (0.35 × 1.054 + 0.29 × 1.178 + 0.01 × 1.113) × $33.4009 = $24.10

Open 92550 in the RVU calculator

Payment rules and modifiers for 92550

The CMS indicators that decide how 92550 is paid alongside other services.

CMS payment indicators · 92550

Middle-ear testing, tympanometry and reflex thresholds

RuleCMS valueWhat it means
Global periodXXXThe global surgery concept doesn’t apply.
Multiple procedures0No multiple-procedure reduction.
Bilateral (modifier 50)2Already bilateral by definition: paid once at 100%.
Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS)0Not paid without supporting documentation.
Co-surgeons (62)0Not permitted.
Team surgery (66)0Not permitted.
Professional/technical7Therapy service: the split doesn’t apply.

What modifiers do to the payment

Modifier CQ · payment effect

With and without the modifier

92550 without CQ · national office

$21.71

Middle-ear testing, tympanometry and reflex thresholds

92550-CQ · Allowed amount unchanged

$21.71

Medicare cuts its own payment by 15% after the patient’s 20% coinsurance; the allowed amount stays the same. On $100 allowed: $20 coinsurance, then Medicare pays $68 instead of $80.

How 92550 has changed in Washington, DC area

92550 · Office / nonfacility

$24.10

Effective 2026-10-01

The base rate is $0.57 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $23.53 to $24.10 (2.4%).

It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.

Base rate by release · bars start at $0 · select a bar to compare

One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.

What changed, release by release
  1. January 1, 2026

    RVU26A

    $23.53changed to$24.10

    • Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
    • Work GPCI 1.057 changed to 1.054
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.192 changed to 1.178
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.168 changed to 1.113

    Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.

  2. January 1, 2025

    RVU25A

    $24.21changed to$23.53

    • Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465

    Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.

  3. March 9, 2024

    RVU24AR

    $23.82changed to$24.21

    • Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875

    Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.

  4. January 1, 2024

    RVU24A

    $25.28changed to$23.82

    • Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
    • Practice expense RVU 0.30 changed to 0.29
    • Work GPCI 1.056 changed to 1.057
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.214 changed to 1.192
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.231 changed to 1.168
  5. January 1, 2023

    RVU23A

    $26.07changed to$25.28

    • Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
    • Practice expense RVU 0.29 changed to 0.30
    • Malpractice RVU 0.02 changed to 0.01
    • Work GPCI 1.054 changed to 1.056
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.236 changed to 1.214
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.294 changed to 1.231

    Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.

  6. January 1, 2022

    RVU22A

    $25.85changed to$26.07

    • Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
    • Practice expense RVU 0.28 changed to 0.29

    Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.

  7. January 1, 2021

    RVU21A

    $25.63changed to$25.85

    • Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
    • Practice expense RVU 0.26 changed to 0.28
    • Work GPCI 1.049 changed to 1.054
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.221 changed to 1.236
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.277 changed to 1.294

    Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.

  8. January 1, 2020

    RVU20A

    $24.95changed to$25.63

    • Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
    • Practice expense RVU 0.25 changed to 0.26
    • Work GPCI 1.045 changed to 1.049
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.205 changed to 1.221
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.261 changed to 1.277

    Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.

  9. January 1, 2019

    RVU19A

    $24.49changed to$24.95

    • Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
    • Practice expense RVU 0.24 changed to 0.25

    Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.

  10. January 1, 2018

    RVU18AR1

    $24.02changed to$24.49

    • Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
    • Practice expense RVU 0.23 changed to 0.24
    • Work GPCI 1.048 changed to 1.045
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.271 changed to 1.261

    Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.

  11. January 1, 2017

    RVU17A

    $24.01changed to$24.02

    • Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
    • Work GPCI 1.051 changed to 1.048
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.280 changed to 1.271

    Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.

  12. January 1, 2016

    RVU16A

    $23.64changed to$24.01

    • Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
    • Malpractice RVU 0.01 changed to 0.02

    Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.

  13. July 1, 2015

    RVU15C

    $23.52changed to$23.64

    • Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335

    Held through RVU15D.

  14. January 1, 2015

    RVU15A

    $23.50changed to$23.52

    • Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
    • Work GPCI 1.050 changed to 1.051
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.202 changed to 1.205
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.205 changed to 1.280

    Held through RVU15B.

  15. January 1, 2014

    RVU14A

    $23.07changed to$23.50

    • Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
    • Practice expense RVU 0.25 changed to 0.23
    • Work GPCI 1.049 changed to 1.050
    • Practice expense GPCI 1.198 changed to 1.202
    • Malpractice GPCI 1.130 changed to 1.205

    Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.

  16. January 1, 2013

    RVU13AR

    Earliest loaded release: $23.07

    Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.

Rates in every CMS release
Effective fromOfficeFacilityCMS release
2026-10-01$24.10Not available in this settingRVU26D
2026-07-01$24.10Not available in this settingRVU26C
2026-04-01$24.10Not available in this settingRVU26B
2026-01-01$24.10Not available in this settingRVU26A
2025-10-01$23.53Not available in this settingRVU25D
2025-07-01$23.53Not available in this settingRVU25C
2025-04-01$23.53Not available in this settingRVU25B
2025-01-01$23.53Not available in this settingRVU25A
2024-10-01$24.21Not available in this settingRVU24D
2024-07-01$24.21Not available in this settingRVU24C
2024-04-01$24.21Not available in this settingRVU24B
2024-03-09$24.21Not available in this settingRVU24AR
2024-01-01$23.82Not available in this settingRVU24A
2023-10-01$25.28Not available in this settingRVU23D
2023-07-01$25.28Not available in this settingRVU23C
2023-04-01$25.28Not available in this settingRVU23B
2023-01-01$25.28Not available in this settingRVU23A
2022-10-01$26.07Not available in this settingRVU22D
2022-07-01$26.07Not available in this settingRVU22C
2022-04-01$26.07Not available in this settingRVU22B
2022-01-01$26.07Not available in this settingRVU22A
2021-10-01$25.85Not available in this settingRVU21D
2021-07-01$25.85Not available in this settingRVU21C
2021-04-01$25.85Not available in this settingRVU21B
2021-01-01$25.85Not available in this settingRVU21A
2020-10-01$25.63Not available in this settingRVU20D
2020-07-01$25.63Not available in this settingRVU20C
2020-04-01$25.63Not available in this settingRVU20B
2020-01-01$25.63Not available in this settingRVU20A
2019-10-01$24.95Not available in this settingRVU19D
2019-07-01$24.95Not available in this settingRVU19C
2019-04-01$24.95Not available in this settingRVU19B
2019-01-01$24.95Not available in this settingRVU19A
2018-10-01$24.49Not available in this settingRVU18D
2018-07-01$24.49Not available in this settingRVU18C
2018-04-01$24.49Not available in this settingRVU18B
2018-01-01$24.49Not available in this settingRVU18AR1
2017-10-01$24.02Not available in this settingRVU17D
2017-07-01$24.02Not available in this settingRVU17C
2017-04-01$24.02Not available in this settingRVU17B
2017-01-01$24.02Not available in this settingRVU17A
2016-10-01$24.01Not available in this settingRVU16D
2016-07-01$24.01Not available in this settingRVU16C
2016-04-01$24.01Not available in this settingRVU16B
2016-01-01$24.01Not available in this settingRVU16A
2015-10-01$23.64Not available in this settingRVU15D
2015-07-01$23.64Not available in this settingRVU15C
2015-04-01$23.52Not available in this settingRVU15B
2015-01-01$23.52Not available in this settingRVU15A
2014-10-01$23.50Not available in this settingRVU14D
2014-07-01$23.50Not available in this settingRVU14C
2014-04-01$23.50Not available in this settingRVU14B
2014-01-01$23.50Not available in this settingRVU14A
2013-10-01$23.07Not available in this settingRVU13D
2013-07-01$23.07Not available in this settingRVU13C
2013-04-01$23.07Not available in this settingRVU13B
2013-01-01$23.07Not available in this settingRVU13AR

Price 92550 for an earlier date of service

Where the Washington, DC area rate applies

Washington, DC area is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 1 cities and communities in District of Columbia. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

  • Washington

Browse all communities in District of Columbia

92550 billing questions

When should 92550 be reported instead of 92567?

Report 92550 when tympanometry and acoustic reflex threshold testing are both performed. Use 92567 when the service is tympanometry alone.

Can the reflex threshold test be billed separately with 92550?

92550 combines tympanometry and reflex threshold testing. Do not separately report the reflex measurement for the same work.

Should modifier 50 be appended when both ears are tested?

No. CMS prices 92550 as bilateral, and modifier 50 does not increase payment.

Can modifier 26 be used for the interpretation?

No. The CMS component rule states that the professional component modifier does not apply to this service.

What documentation supports reporting 92550?

Document the reason for testing and findings for both the tympanometry and acoustic reflex threshold measures performed.

Where these rates come from

FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.

CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027

Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
RVUs for 92550PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv, line 11,828 (RVU26D)
Geographic factors for Washington, DC areaGPCI2026.csv, line 39 (RVU26D)

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates

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