How are you preparing for the new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes that describe speech-language pathology services provided by speech-language pathologists (SLPs)? We've compiled resources to help you prepare for and successfully navigate this transition.
Learn About the New Codes
American Medical Association (AMA)
You can review the changes directly from the AMA. They have released the CPT 2027 code set, which includes the release of the ten new CPT codes covering speech-language pathology services and four new CPT codes covering vestibular diagnostic assessment.
Resource: CPT 2027 Code Set
ASHA
ASHA has developed resources that explain the new codes and the services they cover. The 2027 CPT Code Set takes effect on January 1, 2027.
Resource: See ASHA Resources and Descriptions
Learn How to Document the Services You Are Providing Under the New Code Set
Resource: Code-by-Code Video Series
Learn more about each new code through ASHA's video series, which provides a detailed breakdown of the code descriptors, intended use, and documentation considerations.
Resource: Decision Tree
Need help determining whether a service is reportable and which code(s) to use? This decision tree can help guide your coding decisions.
Prepare Your EMR/Billing Software
The TSHA Business Management Committee recommends discussing the following questions with your electronic medical record (EMR) and billing software vendors:
- When will the new CPT codes be available in the system?
- Will the update occur automatically, or will a manual installation be required?
- How will deleted, revised, and replacement codes be handled?
- Will documentation forms or templates need to be updated?
- Will you need to train staff on any new processes or workflows?
- What training resources will be available for users?
- Will you have an opportunity to test the system before the new codes take effect?
Communicate with Your Payers
Inform Your Payers
One important step in preparing for the upcoming CPT code changes is ensuring that you and the payers you work with have a shared understanding of the updates.
You can customize this Provider Template Letter below and distribute it to your payers. The letter explains the upcoming CPT code changes and helps facilitate communication and planning before implementation.
Resource: Provider Template Letter
Request Information from Your Payers
When communicating with payers, consider requesting the following:
- A copy of your current fee schedule, provider contract, and billing manual. These documents can help you prepare for future contract negotiations.
- Adoption of the new speech-language pathology CPT codes to replace deleted CPT code 92507 for covered speech and language services, with reimbursement rates that reflect the work described by the new codes.
- Information about how reimbursement rates will be established for the new codes.
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed relative value units (RVUs) for CPT codes 92654-92663, which can serve as a reference when establishing reimbursement rates. Adoption of these codes supports more accurate reporting, improved care delivery, and reimbursement structures that align with contemporary speech-language pathology services.
- Advance notification to providers and patients regarding code changes and updates to prior authorization requirements.
- Publication of implementation dates through provider notices, policy updates, or other publicly accessible communications.
- An adequate transition period to ensure claims are not delayed during implementation. Payers should continue processing timely filed claims for dates of service that occur before the new codes become effective.
- Continuation of approved prior authorizations through the coding transition. Providers should not be required to obtain a new authorization solely because of a CPT code change.
- Identification of a knowledgeable provider relations or policy contact who can answer questions regarding coverage, reimbursement, claims processing, contracting, and implementation timelines.
If your payer's requirements differ from CMS coding requirements, please share that information with TSHA by contacting staff@txsha.org. While TSHA cannot negotiate with payers on your behalf, we hope to share relevant information and emerging trends with members as it becomes available.
Resource: Payer Code Tracker
Use this tracker to monitor each payer's adoption and implementation of the new CPT codes.
Educate Your Billing Staff, Patients, and Caregivers. Update Your Practice Documentation.
Talk with your patients and caregivers about the upcoming changes and how they may affect billing, documentation, or insurance communications.
You should also review and update practice documents as needed, including:
- Documentation templates
- Good Faith Estimate templates
- Cost-sharing tracking mechanisms
- Patient education materials
- Billing and financial policy documents
Continue to Check for Updates
As implementation approaches, stay informed by:
- Signing up for payer bulletins and email alerts
- Monitoring updates from TSHA and ASHA
- Reviewing new guidance as it becomes available
Resource: Readiness Checklist
Use ASHA's Readiness Checklist to help ensure you and your organization stay on track throughout the transition.