CPT code 92521 refers to an evaluation of speech sound production. It is a procedure code used by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to bill for the assessment of a patient’s speech sound production abilities, including articulation, phonological processes, and motor speech disorders. The evaluation typically involves the use of standardized tests, informal assessments, and clinical observations to determine the presence, type, and severity of any speech sound disorders.
Examples of when an SLP might use CPT code 92521 for a speech/language evaluation:
- A 5-year-old child with suspected articulation disorder: The child’s parents report that the child has difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, and their speech is often difficult to understand. The SLP would administer tests like the Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation or the Hodson Assessment of Phonological Patterns, along with informal assessments like speech sound inventories or phonetic stimulability tasks, to diagnose the presence and severity of an articulation disorder.
- A 7-year-old child with a history of frequent ear infections: The child has a history of recurrent ear infections, which may have resulted in fluctuating hearing loss during their early language development years. The child’s teacher has observed that they struggle to pronounce certain speech sounds and have difficulty with word formation. The SLP would use CPT code 92521 to evaluate the child’s speech sound production abilities and determine if there is a need for intervention to address any identified speech sound disorders.
- A 45-year-old adult who experienced a stroke: After suffering a stroke, the adult patient presents with difficulty speaking and is often difficult to understand. The SLP would use CPT code 92521 to evaluate the patient’s speech sound production, looking specifically for signs of dysarthria, a motor speech disorder often associated with neurological impairments. The SLP might use tests like the Apraxia Battery for Adults or the Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment, along with informal measures like speech intelligibility assessments, to determine the nature and severity of the motor speech disorder.