How To Use CPT Code 92521

CPT 92521 describes the evaluation of speech fluency by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for issues such as stuttering or cluttering. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 92521?

CPT 92521 can be used to describe the evaluation of speech fluency by a speech-language pathologist (SLP). This code is used when the SLP assesses the patient’s speech disfluencies, analyzes the impact of the fluency disorder on the patient’s daily activities, and develops a treatment program to improve speech fluency and communication skills.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 92521 is: ‘Evaluation of speech fluency (e.g., stuttering, cluttering).’ There are no additional notes or modifiers specified for this code.

3. Procedure

1. During the evaluation, the speech-language pathologist (SLP) assesses the patient’s speech fluency, noting the number and types of speech disfluencies.
2. The SLP also evaluates how the patient handles the disfluencies and gathers information about any modifying factors.
3. The evaluation may consist of tests, observations, and interviews to estimate the patient’s risk for continuing to stutter or to assess the severity of the disorder in older children and adults.
4. Based on the evaluation, the SLP develops a specific treatment program tailored to the individual’s needs, aiming to improve speech fluency, communication effectiveness, and participation in daily activities.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 92521 services are those with speech fluency issues, such as stuttering or cluttering. The evaluation is performed by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who assesses the patient’s speech disfluencies and determines the impact of the fluency disorder on the patient’s activities of daily living.

5. When to use CPT code 92521

CPT code 92521 should be used when a speech-language pathologist (SLP) performs an evaluation of speech fluency for issues like stuttering or cluttering. This code is appropriate when assessing the severity of the disorder and determining the impact on the patient’s daily activities. It should not be used for other speech evaluations or treatments unrelated to fluency disorders.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92521, the speech-language pathologist (SLP) must document the following information:

• Patient’s speech fluency issues, such as stuttering or cluttering
• Details of the evaluation, including the number and types of speech disfluencies observed
• Assessment of how the patient handles the disfluencies and any modifying factors
• Estimation of the patient’s risk for continuing to stutter or severity of the disorder
• Development of a specific treatment program to improve speech fluency and communication skills

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 92521, ensure that the service is performed by a qualified speech-language pathologist (SLP) and that the evaluation focuses on speech fluency issues like stuttering or cluttering. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting this code with other codes. However, it is important to accurately document the evaluation and treatment program to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 92521 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2014. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) evaluating a child’s speech fluency to determine the severity of stuttering and develop a treatment program.
2. An SLP assessing an adult’s cluttering issues and analyzing the impact on their daily activities to create a personalized therapy plan.
3. A speech evaluation conducted by an SLP to estimate the risk of continued stuttering in a teenager and design an intervention program.
4. An SLP evaluating a patient’s speech disfluencies and modifying factors to develop strategies for improving fluency and communication skills.
5. A comprehensive assessment performed by an SLP to evaluate speech fluency, language comprehension, and expression in a child with suspected fluency and language disorders.
6. An SLP analyzing speech disfluencies and their impact on oral and written language skills in an adolescent to guide treatment planning.
7. An evaluation conducted by an SLP to assess voice and resonance issues in a patient and provide behavioral and qualitative analysis for treatment recommendations.
8. An SLP evaluating swallowing function, including the oral and pharyngeal phases, in a patient with dysphagia to develop a targeted therapy plan.
9. A speech fluency evaluation performed by an SLP to assess the severity of cluttering and its impact on a patient’s communication abilities.
10. An SLP conducting an evaluation to estimate the risk of continued stuttering in an adult and develop a personalized treatment program.