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Official Description

Laryngeal function studies (ie, aerodynamic testing and acoustic testing)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Laryngeal function studies, as denoted by CPT® Code 92520, encompass a range of diagnostic evaluations aimed at assessing the functionality of the larynx, which is crucial for voice production. These studies primarily include aerodynamic testing and acoustic testing. Aerodynamic testing, often referred to as aerodynamic voice analysis, employs an air transducer to measure the airflow from the lungs as it passes through the vocal folds during vocalization. This process helps to illustrate how effectively air is utilized in voice production. On the other hand, acoustic testing, known as acoustic analysis, utilizes advanced computerized instruments to capture and analyze the acoustic properties of the voice. During this testing, as the patient vocalizes, the instruments assess various voice characteristics such as hoarseness, pitch, and loudness, translating these factors into visual representations on a screen. The results are quantitatively measured and displayed on a digital readout, providing a comprehensive overview of the patient's vocal performance. Additionally, a spectrograph may be employed to create a visual chart of the patient's voice on paper, further aiding in the analysis. Ultimately, all collected voice measures undergo thorough analysis, culminating in a written interpretation of the results, which is essential for diagnosing and managing voice disorders.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The laryngeal function studies represented by CPT® Code 92520 are indicated for a variety of conditions and symptoms that may affect voice quality and laryngeal function. These indications include:

  • Voice Disorders Patients presenting with persistent hoarseness or changes in voice quality that may indicate underlying laryngeal pathology.
  • Vocal Fold Dysfunction Individuals experiencing difficulty with vocal fold closure or other functional impairments that impact voice production.
  • Neurological Conditions Patients with neurological disorders that may affect laryngeal function, such as Parkinson's disease or vocal cord paralysis.
  • Pre- and Post-Surgical Assessment Evaluations conducted before and after surgical interventions on the larynx to assess functional outcomes and recovery.

2. Procedure

The procedure for laryngeal function studies involves several key steps that ensure comprehensive assessment of the laryngeal function. These steps include:

  • Preparation of the Patient The patient is prepared for the study by providing a detailed history of their voice issues and any relevant medical conditions. They may be instructed to avoid certain activities, such as excessive talking or throat clearing, prior to the testing.
  • Aerodynamic Testing During aerodynamic testing, the patient is asked to vocalize while an air transducer measures the airflow from the lungs. This test captures data on how air passes through the vocal folds, providing insights into the efficiency of voice production.
  • Acoustic Testing Following aerodynamic testing, acoustic testing is performed. The patient vocalizes into computerized instruments that analyze the acoustic properties of their voice. This includes measuring parameters such as pitch, loudness, and quality, which are displayed visually for further analysis.
  • Data Analysis The data collected from both aerodynamic and acoustic tests are analyzed. A spectrograph may be utilized to create a visual representation of the voice, charting its characteristics on paper. This comprehensive analysis aids in understanding the patient's vocal function.
  • Interpretation of Results Finally, a written interpretation of the results is generated, summarizing the findings from the tests. This report is crucial for guiding further clinical decisions and management of any identified voice disorders.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of laryngeal function studies, patients may receive specific post-procedure care instructions. These may include recommendations for vocal rest, hydration, and avoiding irritants that could affect the vocal folds. The results of the studies are typically discussed with the patient, and any necessary follow-up appointments or referrals to specialists may be arranged based on the findings. Patients are encouraged to monitor their voice and report any changes or concerns to their healthcare provider as part of their ongoing care.

Short Descr LARYNGEAL FUNCTION STUDIES
Medium Descr LARYNGEAL FUNCTION STUDIES
Long Descr Laryngeal function studies (ie, aerodynamic testing and acoustic testing)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator STV-Packaged Codes
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T2D - Other tests - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 40 - Other diagnostic procedures of respiratory tract and mediastinum
GN Services delivered under an outpatient speech language pathology plan of care
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
25 Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59.
33 Preventive services: when the primary purpose of the service is the delivery of an evidence based service in accordance with a us preventive services task force a or b rating in effect and other preventive services identified in preventive services mandates (legislative or regulatory), the service may be identified by adding 33 to the procedure. for separately reported services specifically identified as preventive, the modifier should not be used.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
55 Postoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the postoperative management and another performed the surgical procedure, the postoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 55 to the usual procedure number.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GP Services delivered under an outpatient physical therapy plan of care
GT Via interactive audio and video telecommunication systems
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2006-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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