Why is an auditory processing evaluation included in the same procedure code as a speech and language evaluation?
In 1995 ASHA submitted a request to the American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT*) Editorial Panel for an auditory processing evaluation code. At that time, the panel did not approve the new code but agreed with the need for recognition of auditory processing. The compromise was to include auditory processing as an element of CPT 92506, with the idea that this code would become a multidisciplinary access code. This arrangement worked in the early years. But the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) determined that CPT 92506 would be a speech-language pathology code because of its predominance of use for reporting speech and language evaluations in preparation for rehabilitation services. Unfortunately, many private party payers followed suit, in effect making CPT 92506 a non-reimbursable code for audiologists. Why can’t audiologists get paid when they use CPT 92506? With a lack of access to CPT 92506, audiologists are left with only individual t
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