2024 has brought many interesting changes, especially in the code set for speech therapy. From eliminating CPT code 92506 and replacing it with four new specific evaluation codes to allowing speech therapists to bill for caregiver training in the absence of patients, the AMA offers a more direct approach toward reimbursements. However, there is one significant problem – these coding updates make the already complex billing process even more complicated.
Adaptation is the simple solution! The quicker you adjust to these changes, the fewer mistakes you will make. That’s why we are here to guide you through this year’s most common speech therapy CPT codes.
The Growing Demand for Speech Therapy
Did you know that 7.7% of children between the ages of 3 and 17 were diagnosed with a voice, speech, language, or swallowing disorder in the past year? Among them, a growing number of children in the U.S. are affected by some type of speech disorder, including dysarthria and aphasia, leading to an increasing demand for speech-language pathologists (SLPs). In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated that this career will grow by 19% in the next decade.
While the demand for SLPs is high, many struggle with increased denial rates due to common coding errors. The main reasons? High volume of cases, a shortage of SLPs nationwide, and limited time to keep up with constant coding changes.
Common CPT Codes for Speech Therapy in 2024
There are many CPT codes for speech therapy, many of which are quite similar. Moreover, annual coding updates are the norm in this field. Therefore, even coding and billing experts sometimes get confused and make basic mistakes. So, if you are a speech-language pathologist or a professional in a speech pathology clinic, you should be aware of the following key CPT codes for speech therapy.
CPT Codes for Speech Therapy Evaluation Services
CPT Code 92520 – Larynx Evaluation
This speech therapy CPT code addresses the evaluation of a patient’s voice. In simple terms, billing experts apply CPT code 92520 when a speech-language pathologist (SLP) conducts aerodynamic testing to assess how well a patient’s larynx (voice box) is working.
This test distinguishes normal vocal function from pathological function by measuring airflow and pressure changes in the larynx during voice production, helping speech therapists identify the severity of any voice disorders.
CPT Code 92521 – Speech Fluency Evaluation
The 92521 CPT code also covers an evaluation service. You can use this CPT code to bill for a speech fluency assessment with a specialized focus on stuttering or cluttering. The SLPs use this session to examine how smoothly a patient speaks, identifying disruptions in their flow to determine the nature and severity of fluency disorders.
CPT Code 92522 – Speech Sound Production Evaluation
This CPT code specifies a patient’s speech sound production evaluation. SLPs use this session to focus on various issues, such as articulation (how speech sounds are produced), phonological processes (patterns of sound errors), apraxia (brain and nervous system disorder that makes it difficult to coordinate the movements needed for speech), and dysarthria (weakness or lack of control in the muscles used for speech).
During this assessment, speech therapists examine the jaw, lips, and tongue of a patient to confirm their correct structure and function. In short, this speech therapy CPT code is important for diagnosing speech sound disorders.
CPT Code 92523 – Comprehensive Evaluation of Speech Sound Production + Language Skills
Don’t confuse this speech therapy CPT code with the 92522 CPT code. The 92523 CPT code addresses a comprehensive speech sound production evaluation that also includes a language comprehension assessment.
In addition to testing for the same issues covered by CPT code 92522—such as articulation, phonological processes, apraxia, and dysarthria—SLPs use this session to evaluate a patient’s receptive and expressive language abilities. In short, this CPT code covers a holistic test for checking the patient’s overall communication skills.
CPT Code 92524 – Voice & Resonance Analysis
This speech therapy code highlights a voice analysis. SLPs use CPT code 92524 when they check the patient’s overall vocal behavior, including the quality of their voice and nasality issues (how much air passes through the nose when speaking).
To summarize, this speech therapy CPT code covers an evaluation that helps SLPs identify the cause of reported symptoms and select ideal treatments.
Speech Therapy CPT Codes for Therapeutic Services
CPT Code 92507 – Auditory Processing Disorder Treatment
The 92507 is one of the most popular CPT codes for speech therapy. To be more precise, billing specialists use this code when a speech therapist works directly with a speech or hearing-impaired patient. The provider uses this session to assess the patient’s ability to produce sounds and checks for receptive (difficulty understanding language) and expressive disorders (difficulty in verbal communication).
In simple words, they determine whether the sound signals effectively reach the patient’s brain through the ears. The primary purpose of this speech therapy CPT code is to improve communication skills while addressing auditory challenges.
CPT Code 92606 – Therapy for Non-Speech-Generating Devices
You can apply this speech therapy CPT code to address therapeutic services involving non-speech-generating devices. Simply put, the 92606 CPT code notifies payers about SLPs helping patients use an augmentative alternative communication (AAC) device – a gadget that helps patients communicate without talking. During this session, SLPs also train their patients’ caregivers to assist with the device.
CPT Code 92609 – Therapy for Speech-Generating Devices
This speech therapy CPT code points toward therapeutic services involving speech-generating devices (SGDs) – tablet-like gadgets used for communication via electronic voice. Additionally, CPT code 92609 includes the training of caregivers to support the patients’ communication requirements.
Speech Therapy CPT codes for Evaluating & Treating Swallowing Disorders
CPT Code 92526 – Swallowing Disorder Treatment
This speech therapy CPT code indicates a swallowing disorder treatment. SLPs use it to notify payers about identifying and treating a patient’s dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) via medications, rehabilitation exercises, or a feeding tube.
CPT Code 92610 – Specialized ENT Evaluation
This is a special CPT code. It involves the evaluation of ears, nose, and throat that goes beyond the standard check-up. Simply put, the 92610 speech therapy CPT code addresses diagnostic and treatment procedures specifically focusing on swallowing disorders, which are not usually part of a typical assessment or office visit.
CPT Code 92611 – Swallowing Analysis via Imaging
CPT code 92611 specifies an imaging analysis of a patient’s mouth, voice box, and esophagus. SLPs use this speech therapy CPT code when they examine a patient’s swallowing function via cine esophagum – an imaging test that uses X-ray to study the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract – or video recording.
This test helps healthcare providers identify the problems affecting the patient’s swallowing ability.
CPT Code 92612 – Pharynx Evaluation
This speech therapy CPT code covers a patient’s pharynx (throat) evaluation. During this test, an SLP uses a flexible endoscope with a camera to examine the health and function of a patient’s throat muscles, making sure that they work while swallowing.
Speech Therapy CPT Codes for Caregiver Training
CPT Code 97550 – Caregiver Training (First 30 Minutes)
This CPT code covers caregiver training. SLPs use the 97550 CPT code when they provide face-to-face instructions to one or more caregivers on how to care for a patient with speech disorders. This speech therapy CPT code specifically covers the first 30 minutes of each session.
CPT Code 97551 – Additional Caregiver Training (Each Extra 15 Minutes)
This is an add-on speech therapy CPT code. SLPs apply CPT code 97551 when they provide additional training to one or more caregivers after the first 30 minutes. This code covers each extra 15 minutes, allowing SLPs to provide extended and personalized support to caregivers based on the patients’ needs.
CPT Code 97552 – Group Caregiver Training
CPT code 97552 specifies group training for patients’ caregivers. SLPs use this speech therapy CPT code when they teach a group of caretakers how to address the functional needs of patients with speech disorders. This includes techniques and strategies focusing on communication and visual aids.
Bottom Line
Accurate billing is not impossible! We know that there are many codes to choose from, each representing a specific type of assessment or speech therapy. However, a well-rounded understanding of common CPT codes for speech therapy can help you significantly reduce coding mistakes that lead to claim denials.
To offload the burden, you can hand over CPT coding to professionals at MediBill MD. Our physical therapy billing services include medical coding for speech therapies. Partner with our experts to reduce your denial rates.
