Can a speech-language pathologist use 97000 codes (physical medicine), and should they be billed in place of, or with, speech-language treatment codes?
Medicare specifically allows speech-language pathologists to use 97532 (development of cognitive skills to improve attention and memory) for treatment of cognitive/communicative disorders, but notes that either code 92507 or 97532 could be used, but not both for the same treatment. Still, many Medicare intermediaries and private payers may question a speech-language pathologist’s use of other Physical Medicine codes from the 97000 series. A 2004 ASHA examination of Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for speech-language pathology from eight major intermediaries identified none that listed Physical Medicine codes except for 97532 and 97533 (sensory integrative techniques). The LCD code lists are not all-inclusive. Clinicians must use the “best” code to describe services, and may need to decide if that code is in the 92000 or 97000 series. CPT code 92507 (treatment of speech-language services) is very comprehensive and generally includes all components of treatment. Using a 92000 code i
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