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Official Description

Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing by cine or video recording; interpretation and report only

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 92613 refers to a specific procedure known as the flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing by cine or video recording, which is performed for the purpose of assessing swallowing function. This evaluation is conducted in a controlled environment where the patient is seated comfortably. To facilitate the procedure, local anesthesia may be applied to the nasal passages and throat using an analgesic spray, ensuring that the patient experiences minimal discomfort during the examination. An endoscope, a flexible tube equipped with a camera, is then carefully inserted through either the nose or mouth and advanced into the throat. During the procedure, the patient is asked to ingest both liquid and solid food items while cine or video recordings are made. These recordings are displayed in real-time on a computer screen, allowing for immediate visual assessment of the swallowing process. After the procedure, the recorded images are meticulously reviewed, and a comprehensive written report detailing the findings related to the patient's swallowing function is generated. It is important to note that CPT® Code 92613 is specifically designated for instances where only the interpretation of the recorded data and the subsequent report are provided, without the performance of the complete procedure, which is represented by CPT® Code 92612.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing is indicated for patients who exhibit symptoms or conditions that may affect their swallowing function. These indications may include, but are not limited to:

  • Dysphagia Difficulty swallowing, which may arise from various underlying medical conditions.
  • Neurological Disorders Conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis that can impair swallowing ability.
  • Structural Abnormalities Anomalies in the throat or esophagus that may obstruct or complicate the swallowing process.
  • Post-Surgical Evaluation Assessment of swallowing function following surgical interventions in the head and neck region.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing involves several key steps that ensure a thorough assessment of the patient's swallowing function. The process begins with the patient being positioned comfortably in a seated manner, which is essential for optimal access and visualization during the evaluation.

  • Step 1: Preparation Prior to the procedure, the healthcare provider may apply a topical analgesic spray to the nasal passages and throat to minimize discomfort during the insertion of the endoscope. This step is crucial for patient comfort and cooperation throughout the evaluation.
  • Step 2: Endoscope Insertion The flexible endoscope is then carefully inserted through the patient's nose or mouth, depending on the specific approach deemed most appropriate for the individual case. The endoscope is advanced into the throat, allowing for direct visualization of the swallowing mechanism.
  • Step 3: Swallowing Assessment As part of the evaluation, the patient is instructed to ingest various food items, including both liquids and solids. During this phase, cine or video recordings are made to capture the swallowing process in real-time. These recordings provide valuable visual data that can be analyzed for any abnormalities or difficulties in swallowing.
  • Step 4: Data Review After the swallowing assessment is completed, the recorded images are reviewed by the healthcare provider. This review is critical for identifying any issues related to the patient's swallowing function.
  • Step 5: Reporting Finally, a comprehensive written report is generated, summarizing the findings from the evaluation. This report serves as an essential document for further clinical decision-making and management of the patient's swallowing difficulties.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, patients may be monitored for any immediate post-procedural effects, particularly if sedation was used. It is important for the healthcare provider to provide instructions regarding any dietary modifications or follow-up evaluations that may be necessary based on the findings of the procedure. Patients should be informed about potential symptoms to watch for, such as persistent pain or difficulty swallowing, and advised to contact their healthcare provider if such symptoms occur. The written report generated from the evaluation will guide further management and treatment options tailored to the patient's specific needs.

Short Descr ENDOSCOPY SWALLOW (FEES) I&R
Medium Descr FLEXIBLE ENDOSCOPIC EVAL SWALLOW C/V REC I&R
Long Descr Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing by cine or video recording; interpretation and report only
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 Code Not Recognized by OPPS when submitted on Outpatient Hospital Part B Bill Type (12x/13x)
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P8I - Endoscopy - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 31 - Diagnostic procedures on nose, mouth and pharynx
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).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GN Services delivered under an outpatient speech language pathology plan of care
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
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
U2 Medicaid level of care 2, as defined by each state
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2017-01-01 Changed Long, Medium and Short descriptions changed.
2013-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2003-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2003.
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