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Official Description

Filtered speech test

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The filtered speech test, designated by CPT® Code 92571, is a specialized auditory assessment designed to evaluate an individual's ability to recognize speech that has been intentionally degraded or distorted. This test employs a variety of versions, with the fundamental approach utilizing a speech sample that has undergone frequency distortion. The speech sample consists of common one-syllable words, such as "hide," "home," "more," and "root," which are typically familiar to children aged 10 years and older, as well as adults. During the test, these words are processed through an electronic filter that alters their sound quality, making them more challenging to understand. The patient wears earphones through which the filtered words are presented, and they are instructed to repeat the distorted words they hear. A person with normal auditory processing capabilities is expected to recognize at least 70% of the filtered words correctly. In contrast, individuals with auditory processing disorders, particularly those affecting the thalamo-cortical neural pathways and the auditory cortex, often struggle to achieve this recognition threshold. After the completion of the test, the results are meticulously documented, and a written interpretation of the findings is generated to provide insights into the patient's auditory processing abilities.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The filtered speech test (CPT® Code 92571) is indicated for individuals who may exhibit difficulties in auditory processing. This includes patients who present with symptoms or conditions such as:

  • Auditory Processing Disorder - A condition where the brain has trouble processing auditory information, affecting the ability to understand spoken language.
  • Hearing Loss - Individuals with varying degrees of hearing impairment may require this test to assess their ability to recognize distorted speech.
  • Language Delays - Children or adults with delays in language development may benefit from this assessment to identify specific auditory processing challenges.
  • Learning Disabilities - Patients with learning disabilities may have underlying auditory processing issues that can be evaluated through this test.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the filtered speech test involves several key steps to ensure accurate assessment of the patient's auditory processing capabilities:

  • Preparation - The patient is prepared for the test by ensuring they are in a quiet environment, free from distractions. Earphones are fitted securely to the patient to deliver the filtered speech samples effectively.
  • Presentation of Filtered Words - The test administrator presents a series of common one-syllable words that have been electronically filtered to distort their frequency. These words are chosen for their familiarity to the patient, ensuring they are recognizable in a normal speech context.
  • Response Collection - The patient is instructed to listen carefully and repeat the distorted words they hear through the earphones. Their responses are recorded for analysis.
  • Scoring - The test results are evaluated based on the percentage of correctly recognized words. A score of 70% or higher indicates normal auditory processing, while lower scores may suggest an auditory processing disorder.
  • Documentation - Following the test, the results are documented in detail, and a written interpretation of the findings is prepared to provide insights into the patient's auditory processing abilities.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the filtered speech test, the patient may receive feedback regarding their performance. The results can help guide further evaluation or intervention strategies if an auditory processing disorder is suspected. It is essential for the healthcare provider to discuss the findings with the patient or their guardians, outlining any recommended next steps, which may include additional testing, therapy, or educational support tailored to the patient's needs. The documentation of the test results should be retained for future reference and to assist in ongoing management of the patient's auditory processing challenges.

Short Descr FILTERED SPEECH TEST
Medium Descr FILTERED SPEECH TEST
Long Descr Filtered speech test
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 3 - Technical Component Only Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 2 - 150% payment adjustment does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 02 - Procedure must be performed under the direct supervision of a physician.
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) K - Hearing Items and Services
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T2D - Other tests - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 220 - Ophthalmologic and otologic diagnosis and treatment
AB Audiology service furnished personally by an audiologist without a physician/npp order for non-acute hearing assessment unrelated to disequilibrium, or hearing aids, or examinations for the purpose of prescribing, fitting, or changing hearing aids; service may be performed once every 12 months, per beneficiary
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).
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
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
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2025-01-01 Changed Short Description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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