CPT codes for speech therapy

Speech language therapy involves patients who require specific treatment relating to how they form and produce language and noises. Three of the most common speech disorders include stuttering, apraxia, and dysarthria, all of which have different symptoms and causes that can be treated and improved on by using therapeutic strategies. Because speech disorders vary so significantly, it is imperative that speech therapists are both highly trained and can adapt flexibly to new scenarios. Working in speech therapy is an exciting healthcare career; there are often positive clinical outcomes, which means happy and improved patients. However, just like working in any field of healthcare, speech therapy requires a high amount of organization and efficiency - which means having a good knowledge of SOAP notes for speech language therapists, and understanding common CPT codes.

When it comes to an assessment guide for speech language therapy, there is a range of different things you need to be aware of. Firstly, it’s important to differentiate between infants, children, adolescents, and adults. Developmental stages of life will largely impact how individuals can speak and will allow you to identify whether or not symptoms are serious, or just a reflection of the patient’s age. Additionally, if the individual has another diagnosis, this may be related to (or even the cause of) their speech issues. During your sessions with a patient, these are some of the first pieces of information you need to gather. Consequently, you can begin to formulate your own hypotheses regarding potential diagnoses, before conducting various assessments to determine the pathology of their speech issues. Some of the most commonly used speech therapy assessments include Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, PLS-5 English Assessment, Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals, and Differential Ability Scales Assessment. When you are setting the KPIs for your speech language practice, a good measure for the scope of your business is to assess how accurate the assessment guides you have in place are - you may also choose to focus on introducing new tests in order to cater to a wider number of patients.

Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes are a collection of codes that are used by healthcare practitioners to identify specific procedures and services. These can be medical, surgical, and diagnostic, depending on the needs of the patient and how they were treated by the practitioner. These codes are frequently assessed and updated (if required) in order to ensure they cater accurately to the different treatment methods and procedures that patients are exposed to. Because CPT codes are used in medical billing and a variety of other necessary processes, it is extremely important that healthcare practitioners have a good understanding of common codes that are used in their field.

Although the CPT codes that are used for speech-language therapy will differ and it is a good idea to have a wide knowledge of these, we have compiled a list of the top 10 speech therapy codes to get you started. 

31579: Diagnostic laryngoscopy with stroboscopy

92507: Treatment of speech, language, voice, communication and/or auditory processing disorder; individual 

92508: Treatment of speech, language, voice, communication and/or auditory processing disorder; two or more individuals

92521: Evaluation of speech fluency (e.g. stuttering)

92523: Evaluation of speech sound production (e.g. articulation, apraxia, dysarthria)

92524: Behavioral and qualitative analysis of voice and resonance

92526: Treatment of swallowing dysfunction and/or oral function for feeding 

92605: Evaluation for prescription of non-speech-generating augmentative and alternative communication device

92606: Therapeutic services for use of non-speech generating devices, including programming and modification 

92610: Evaluation of oral and pharyngeal swallowing function 

As a speech therapist business, it is extremely important that you are updated and informed about the most recent changes in medical billing. As I’m sure you know, understanding the ins and outs of the billing process can be a particularly difficult area to manage. Regulations change frequently, and even the smallest mistake can lead to a claim rejection or denial. In turn, these slip-ups cause a halt in reimbursement, making it a lengthy and difficult process to receive payment for your services. However, with time and effort, there is no reason why your practice shouldn’t perfect its billing process. To help you out, we’ve provided some information on the top 3 CPT codes that are used in billing so you can improve your speech language therapy outcomes and processes.

CPT Code 92507: Auditory Processing Disorders

This code refers to the treatment of speech, language, voice, communication, and/or auditory processing disorder. It is important to note that this is only applicable to individual patients who are a part of developmental treatment programs under the supervision and direction of a therapist. Typically, auditory processing disorder treatments include speech therapy, sign language, lip reading instruction, and hearing rehabilitation. 

CPT Code 92521: Evaluation of Speech Fluency

This code refers to the evaluation of speech fluency, most commonly including stuttering and cluttering. It should be used when the therapist evaluates their patient’s fluency level and speech fluency disorders. These assessments are categorized according to severity, frequency, and self-awareness, which the therapist should determine during the session. It is also important to note that certain procedures, including anterior rhinoscopy, otoscopy, and removing non-impacted cerumen also usually come under the 92521 code.

CPT Code 92523: Speech Sound Production and Expressive Language

This code is related to the patient’s speech sound production and evaluation of comprehension and expression. Articulation, apraxia, and dysarthria all fall under speech sound production, in addition to the ability of the patient to express themselves using language. The therapist should note the patient’s motor movement (regarding speech), written comprehension, verbal expression, and attempts made by the patient to communicate verbally.

Having a sound knowledge of CPT codes is very important when it comes to running a successful speech therapy business. In this guide, we’ve outlined some of the most commonly used CPT codes, which should set you in the right direction and help you to minimize the risk of claim rejections or claim denials. Additionally, you should also be aware that certain codes are different when it comes to teletherapy for speech language therapy. Implementing telemedicine into your business is a fantastic next step to further your practice, but there are certain elements (including medical coding and billing) that occur differently than they do during in-person sessions. 

Further Reading:

• Speech Language Therapy Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Codes: ASHA
• The Complete Guide to Adult Speech Therapy Assessments