How are you preparing for the new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes describing the professional services related to speech and language services provided by speech-language pathologists (SLPs)? We've compiled resources to aid you as you plan for 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.
ASHA
You can also take a look at the ASHA resources, which describe the new codes and what they cover. The CPT 2027 code set takes effect January 1, 2027.
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 with a video breakdown of each new code.
Resource: Decision Tree >>
Looking for support to determine if the service is reportable and which code(s) to report?
Prepare Your EMR/Billing Software
The TSHA Business Management Committee has shared the following items to consider when speaking with your vendor:
- When will the new CPT codes be available in the system?
- Will the update occur automatically or require a manual installation?
- How will deleted, revised, or replacement codes be handled?
- Will documentation forms or templates need to be updated?
- Will you need to train your staff on new processes or procedures in using the system?
- What training resources are available for you and your staff?
- Will you be able to test the system with the new codes?
Communicate with Your Payers
Inform Your Payers
One important step to prepare for the upcoming CPT code changes for speech-language pathology is to ensure that you and the payers with whom you work have a shared understanding of these updates. You can customize this Provider Template Letter and distribute it to each of your payers. This letter provides details about the upcoming CPT code changes and helps facilitate communication and planning in advance of implementation.
Resource: View the Provider Template Letter >>
Request Information from Your Payers
When you communicate with your payers, consider requesting the folllowing of your payers:
- A copy of your existing fee schedule, contract, and billing manual. Prepare yourself for the time when you will negotiate your next contract with the payer.
- Rreplace the deleted CPT code 92507 with these new codes for all covered speech and language services and to work with providers to ensure associated rates are commensurate with the work described.
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed relative value units (RVUs) for these codes, which payers can reference when assigning appropriate rates. Adopting codes 92654–92663 will support more accurate reporting, improve care delivery, and align reimbursement structures with contemporary speech-language pathology services.
- Notify providers and patients in advance of any code changes and updates to prior authorization processes.
- Publish the date the new codes will become effective and required through a provider notice, policy update, or other publicly accessible communication.
- Allow for an adequate transition period for the changes, so that claims are not put “on hold” while any changes in CPT codes occur. Maintain the ability to process timely filed claims for dates of service before the new codes become effective, consistent with payer filing limits and policy.
- To avoid any delays in care, services that are already approved through prior authorization should continue to be covered through the coding transition. Providers should not be required to complete a new prior authorization process purely due to the adoption of new codes.
- Identify a knowledgeable provider-relations or policy contact who can answer questions about coverage, reimbursement, contracting, claims processing, and the transition timeline.
If a payer requirements differ from CMS coding requirements, please share this information with TSHA by contacting us at staff@txsha.org. TSHA cannot negotiate with payers on your behalf, but we hope to be able to share information with members as it is made available.
Resource: Payer Code Tracker >>
Use this tracker to help you keep track of each payer's code use.
Educate Your Billing Staff, Patients, and Caregivers. Update Your Practice Documentation.
Talk to your patients, caregivers about the upcoming changes. Also consider what practice documents that may need udpating including, but not limited to:
- Documentation templates
- Good Faith estimate templates
- Cost share tracking mechanisms
Continue to Check for Updates
- Sign up for payer bulletins and alerts
- Check in with TSHA and ASHA to learn more about new information as it's posted
Resource: Readiness Checklist >>
Keep on track to get yourself and your organization ready for this transition with this Readiness Checklist from ASHA.