CPT code 92526

CPT code 92526 is one of many codes used as part of a uniform coding system that allows for consistency of documentation for services among various medical professionals throughout the country. They consist of five specific digits which refer to a given diagnosis. 

The codes are managed by the American Medical Association (AMA), and therapists attach them to documentation when billing therapy services. CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology. 

When billing a therapy service for a client who has Medicare and Medicaid, therapists are required to attach the appropriate CPT code to their documentation, such as the treatment note or evaluation report. Many private insurance companies require the use of CPT codes also. 

As an SLP, it’s important to be familiar with some of the most commonly used CPT codes within your scope of practice. This can make documentation and billing more efficient. 

Therapists can refer to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website for a list of current CPT codes. Here’s an in depth description of one of the most important CPT codes for Speech Therapists to know: CPT code 92526 Treatment of Swallowing Dysfunction and/or Function for Feeding. 

Who can bill this code, what services does it include, and when should SLPs use the code? We’ll take a look at all of that, as well as how to bill CPT 92526 correctly to ensure reimbursement and the best ways to stay current on updates to the code.  

What is CPT code 92526?

The CPT code 92526 description is Treatment of swallowing dysfunction and/or oral function for feeding. It should be used by speech therapists when billing an individual treatment session for feeding therapy.

The session should be focused on addressing treatment goals that target skills which have been outlined in the dysphagia treatment plan, according to the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) 

Speech-language pathologists can bill the CPT code 92526. This code is not time-based, and may only be billed once per day. 

It can be difficult for SLPs to identify the most appropriate code for billing services at times. ASHA states clinicians should strive to use the “best” code to describe the services they provide. 

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Here are some examples of treatment sessions in which the provider can attach CPT code 92526 to documentation and billing: 

• Working on improving oral function with an adult client with weakness of oral musculature, which is causing them difficulty chewing foods. 

• Addressing a pediatric client’s oral Dysphagia by presenting a honey bear cup or straw for drinking. 

• Modifying a client’s liquids (for example, thickening) due to his or her swallowing difficulties. 

• Modifying the flow or type of nipple used for a baby who is showing signs of Dysphagia while drinking from a bottle (such as coughing). 

How to use the CPT code 92526

CPT codes can be separated into 2 categories: timed and service-based. 

CPT code 92526 is a service-based code. Because it is not timed, the code is intended to be used for a specific procedure that matches its description. The length of the treatment session does not affect the billing of this code. 

Follow these steps to correctly bill for the CPT code 92526:

• Refer to the AMA CPT manual to ensure CPT code 92526 is the best, most appropriate code for you to use for a specific session. 

• Complete documentation for a treatment session (for example, in the form of a SOAP note). 

• Attach the CPT code 92526.  
  • SLPs also have the option to complete a superbill and submit this directly to the payor (ex: Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance) or to the client. 
  • Automated billing can also be used. This easy and efficient way of billing with the CPT code 92526 is offered by TheraPlatform.  

The SLP’s documentation for the treatment session should reflect that the client has a treatment diagnosis related to the description of the CPT code 92526 . The goals targeted within the session should also relate to the areas outlined in this code’s description. 

Here’s how to avoid some common errors when using the CPT code 92526, and reduce the likeliness of a reimbursement denial: 

• Use the code for treatment, not evaluation. 

• Do not bill using the CPT code 92526 more than one time in a day.

• The session can include e-stim (electrical stimulation). However, non-e-stim treatment must also be used and documented in order to bill under 92526. 

• This code can be used on the same day that a Dysphagia evaluation was completed and billed. However, documentation must show that these were distinct and separate services. There must also be an established Plan of Care, and the treatment session in which the SLP bills the CPT code 92526 must address the goals outlined in the plan of care. 

Reimbursement 

ASHA’s Medicare Fee Schedule for Speech-Language Pathologists is a helpful source that can guide SLPs on which CPT code to use and current reimbursement rates. 

The national fee for 2023 for the CPT code 92526 is $83.64. 

Reimbursement rates of private insurance payers vary according to specific plans. Determining whether the client’s insurance plan covers speech therapy (including sessions in which the CPT code 92526 is billed) for their specific diagnosis is important. Verify this, and encourage your client to do so as well, prior to initiating services to maximize reimbursement for this code. 

Some private providers who do not accept insurance choose to set their prices for services similar to Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement rates.