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Auditory Processing Testing refers to evaluation of the central, as opposed to the peripheral, auditory system. Several tests of central auditory function comprise an auditory processing test battery. These separate tests will ideally evaluate different auditory processing functions, such as auditory temporal processing, auditory pattern processing, binaural separation, binaural integration and auditory performance with degraded acoustic signals. The codes used for an APD evaluation do not require specific tests; the evaluation is time-based which allows the audiologist to choose the appropriate number of tests to complete the battery based upon individual patient need.

92620 (Evaluation of central auditory function, with report; initial 60 minutes)

92621 (each additional 15 minutes)

Available Academy resources on the topic:

American Academy of Audiology APD Practice Guidelines

Q: Is the CPT code 92620 reserved only for physicians?

A: No, the CPT code most commonly used by audiologists for auditory processing evaluation is 92620, Evaluation of Central Auditory Function, with report, initial 60 minutes. Additionally, CPT code 92621 is used for each additional 15-minute increment of time. Do not utilize CPT code 92506 (Evaluation of speech, language, voice, communication, auditory processing, and/or aural rehabilitation status), as this is a code utilized by speech-language pathologists and NOT audiologists.

Q: If I only perform a single test that has a CPT code such as 92571 (Filtered Speech), 92572 (SSW), or 92576 (SSI) should I report the APD evaluation code(s)? Can individual tests of central auditory function be coded along with 92620?

A: When one of these procedures is performed individually, it is appropriate to report the code for the specific procedure. When the test is a component of a comprehensive evaluation, it would be appropriate to report 92620 and 92621.

Q: Is there a minimum test battery that must be performed to use 92620?

A: 92620 and 92621 are time-based codes and should be reported when several tests of auditory function are performed.

Q: Why is the evaluation of the central auditory function coded by time?

A: The tests used in an APD evaluation vary based on each patient’s needs. The use of time rather than the reporting of individual test-specific codes allows an audiologist the flexibility to utilize the most appropriate measures for each individual situation.

Q: What is the most appropriate diagnostic code to be used when using 92620?

A: H93.25, central auditory processing disorder.

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