Speech therapy, also known as speech-language pathology, is a healthcare service that helps individuals with communication and swallowing disorders. CPT codes, or Current Procedural Terminology codes, are a set of codes used by healthcare providers to bill for services. Understanding and correctly using speech therapy CPT codes is essential for both speech therapists and billing departments.

There are several different CPT codes that can be used for speech therapy services. The most commonly used codes include 92507, 92508, 92526, and 92597.

• CPT code 92507 is used for an evaluation of speech, language, voice, or fluency. This code is typically used for the initial assessment of a patient and may include a variety of tests and measurements to determine the patient’s communication abilities.
• CPT code 92508 is used for a re-evaluation of speech, language, voice, or fluency. This code is typically used when a patient has already been evaluated and the therapist wants to reassess their progress or make any adjustments to their treatment plan.
• CPT code 92526 is used for the treatment of speech, language, voice, or fluency disorder. This code is typically used for individual therapy sessions and may include a variety of techniques such as articulation therapy, language therapy, and voice therapy.
• CPT code 92597 is used for the assessment of swallowing function. This code is typically used when a patient is experiencing difficulty swallowing or has a condition that affects their ability to swallow.

It’s also important to note that these codes should be used in conjunction with the appropriate diagnostic codes, such as those from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes, to fully describe the patient’s condition and treatment.

Another important factor to consider when using speech therapy CPT codes is the duration of the service. CPT codes are based on the length of the service, with different codes being used for different duration of service. For example, a 15-minute session would be billed differently than a 45-minute session.

Additionally, different codes may be used for different setting of service such as in-person therapy, teletherapy, or group therapy.

It’s also important to note that different insurance companies may have different reimbursement policies for speech therapy services, and it’s essential to check with the insurance company to ensure that the correct codes are used and that the services will be covered.

In conclusion, understanding and correctly using speech therapy CPT codes is essential for both speech therapists and billing departments. The codes are used to bill for services and are based on the type of service provided, the duration of the service, and the setting of service. Additionally, diagnostic codes should also be used to fully describe the patient’s condition and treatment.