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Top 10 CPT Codes for Speech Therapy

Medical billing codes can quickly become confusing — there are lots of codes to choose from, and many are quite similar. But having a thorough knowledge of procedure codes will help you run a better practice. Choosing the right CPT code to use on a claim helps ensure you get accurately reimbursed for the services you provided — and reduces the chance of time-consuming rejections that require resubmission. In this post, we examine the most common CPT codes for speech therapy that you’re likely to encounter on a regular basis in your practice.

What is a CPT Code?

Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) is a set of codes that are used to describe medical, diagnostic, and surgical procedures and services. The American Medical Association created CPT codes as a standard way of describing healthcare services. A multidisciplinary panel regularly reviews and updates the codes to accurately represent developing medical advances. CPT codes are used in a variety of situations — including medical billing. 

Most Common CPT Codes Used for Speech Therapy

Here are ten codes most frequently used by speech therapists, along with their descriptions. While it’s important for your medical biller to have a thorough knowledge of CPT codes related to speech therapy, this list is a good place to start.

1. 31579 — Laryngoscopy, flexible or rigid telescopic, with stroboscopy

Code 31579 is used if the speech/language pathologist inserts a laryngoscope. Note that the procedure must be performed in accordance with the ASHA Code of Ethics and ASHA Training Guidelines for Laryngeal Videoendoscopy/Stroboscopy. Also, note that this code should not be used for an evaluation — instead, code 92610 should be used (as appropriate).

2. 92507 — Treatment of speech, language, voice, communication, and/or auditory processing disorder

Code 92507 is used for therapy services that pertain to auditory rehabilitation, voice prosthetics, and communication and/or cognitive impairments.

3. 92521 —Evaluation of speech fluency (e.g., stuttering, cluttering)

When using code 92521, the evaluation must provide information about:

4. 92523 — Evaluation of speech sound production (e.g., articulation, phonological process, apraxia, dysarthria); with evaluation of language comprehension and expression (e.g., receptive and expressive language)

The evaluation described by code 92523 must provide information about the patient’s speech intelligibility using quantitative and/or qualitative testing. Documentation for the patient’s abilities may include:

If you are unable to complete formal testing, you may use an estimate of language age-equivalent levels

5. 92524 — Behavioral and qualitative analysis of voice and resonance

Code 92524’s evaluation must provide the patient’s voice and resonance in a quantitative and/or qualitative measurement, including but not limited to:

Note that this procedure code does not include an instrumental assessment.

6. 92526 — Treatment of swallowing dysfunction and/or oral function for feeding

An identified feeding and/or a physiological swallowing problem must be present to use code 92526. The problem must be documented using professional standards of practice such as:

7. 92605 — Evaluation for prescription of non-speech-generating augmentative and alternative communication device

Code 92605’s evaluation is for patients who need a non-speech generating augmentative and alternative communication device (AAC). Use this code for the first hour, and use code 92618 for additional time in 30-minute increments.

An AAC evaluation may include the following individualized assessments of the patient’s:

8. 92606 — Therapeutic services for the use of non-speech-generating augmentation and alternative communication device

Code 92606 is used when the patient has the non-speech generating augmentation and alternative communication device (AAC) and you are working on:

Once you have set up and programmed the device, you will usually bill 92507 for ongoing language and speech treatment.

9. 92609 — Therapeutic services for the use of speech-generating device

Use code 92609 for the in-person services used to adapt the speech-generating device and to train the patient in its use.

10. 92610 — Evaluation of oral and pharyngeal swallowing function

This code is to be used for the evaluation of a patient’s swallowing and feeding ability. It may include an:

Becoming familiar with these codes and how they’re used will help you better know when to use them and what documentation to provide when you submit your claims. You may want to print out and keep this list handy, as it will serve as a helpful reference.

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