Clinicians are encouraged to reference their CPT manual for correct code use and to review payer-specific policies when determining appropriate code reporting and documentation requirements for services. Many payer clinical policies will provide criteria for Medical Necessity and will also include procedure and diagnosis codes that will support medical necessity and policies for subsequent reimbursement for services. It is advisable to review payer guidelines and policies prior to billing.

Testing for Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) refers to evaluation of the central auditory system. Several tests of central auditory function comprise an auditory processing test battery. These separate tests may include but are not limited to evaluation of different auditory processing functions, such as auditory temporal processing, auditory pattern processing, binaural separation, binaural integration and auditory performance with degraded acoustic signals.

Relevant Evaluation Codes

The following CPT codes are available for reporting assessment of central auditory processing function. The CPT codes used for an APD evaluation do not require specific tests; the evaluation (encompassed by CPT codes 92620 and 92621) is time-based, which allows the audiologist to choose the appropriate number of tests to complete the battery based upon individual patient needs.

CPT Code Description
92620 Evaluation of central auditory function, with report; initial 60 minutes

Do not report 92620, 92621 in conjunction with 92521,92522, 92523, 92524

92621 Evaluation of central auditory function, with report; each additional 15 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Use 92621 only in conjunction with 92620

Do not report 92620, 92621 in conjunction with 92521, 92522, 92523, 92524

92571 Filtered speech test

Report 92571, 92572, or 92576 only if administering that test individually.
If more than one test is administered, utilize 92620/92621.

92572 Staggered spondaic word test

Report 92571, 92572, or 92576 only if administering that test individually.
If more than one test is administered, utilize 92620/92621.

92576 Synthetic sentence identification test

Report 92571, 92572, or 92576 only if administering that test individually.
If more than one test is administered, utilize 92620/92621.

Relevant Rehabilitative Codes

The following list of codes are typically only reimbursable when provided by a licensed speech-language pathologist. Audiology providers are encouraged to review payer-specific coverage policies prior to reporting the codes presented within this section.

CPT Code Description
92507 Treatment of speech, language, voice, communication, and/or auditory processing disorder; individual
92508 Treatment of speech, language, voice, communication, and/or auditory processing disorder; group, 2 or more individuals
Note: These services are typically non-covered when performed by audiologists. Reference payer-specific coverage policies to determine whether these services are non-covered and should subsequently be moved to self-pay.

Relevant Diagnosis Codes

The ICD code H93.25 Central auditory processing disorder is most appropriate for reporting a diagnosis of auditory processing disorder. A more complete list of ICD codes relevant to audiologic practice is available here.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are there specific tests that are required to report codes 92620 and 92621?
  • Are counseling and report writing included in the work of 92620 and 92621?

Need more help?

Contact us at reimbursement@audiology.org.

 

Resources

 

CPT codes, descriptions, and other data are Copyright 1966, 1970, 1973, 1977, 1981, 1983–2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved. CPT© is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.

Disclaimer

The purpose of the information provided by the American Academy of Audiology Coding and Reimbursement Committee is strictly for educational guidance to audiologists. Action taken with respect to the information provided is an individual choice. The American Academy of Audiology hereby disclaims any responsibility for the consequences of any action(s) taken by any individual(s) as a result of using the information provided, and reader agrees not to take action against, or seek to hold, or hold liable, the American Academy of Audiology for the reader's use of the information provided. As used herein, the "American Academy of Audiology" shall be defined to include its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, members, and agents.