By: Carmen Vitton, MS, CCC-SLP, TSHA Business Committee Co-Chair, and Monica Tullius, MS, CCC-SLP, TSHA Business Committee Member

Advocacy Needed as CMS Proposes Major Changes to Speech Therapy Billing Codes
The work of advocacy in speech-language pathology and audiology is never finished. New proposals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) could significantly change how speech therapy services are billed and reimbursed beginning in 2027. These changes may affect providers, clinics, and, most importantly, patients who depend on consistent access to therapy.

Understanding what is being proposed and how you can help is essential. Professional voices, provider input, and public advocacy all play a critical role in shaping final policy decisions.

What Changes Are Being Proposed?
CMS has announced plans to expand the number of Speech Therapy procedure codes, including the addition of approximately 10 new speech-language pathology-specific codes that may replace the current commonly used code 92507.

These proposed changes are expected to move the profession toward more detailed coding requirements and a greater reliance on timed-unit billing structures rather than the broader untimed codes currently in use.

Key changes expected beginning in 2027:

• Addition of new Speech Therapy CPT/HCPCS codes (estimated 10 new codes)
• Increased use of timed treatment units
• More specific code selection based on service type and duration
• Anticipated decreases in reimbursement rates as payment structures are adjusted

While these changes are still under review, early projections suggest they could significantly affect how therapy services are scheduled, documented, and funded.

Update on CPT Code 92507
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), CPT® code 92507, used for individual speech, language, voice, and communication treatment, is currently undergoing a valuation review that may result in changes for the 2027 code set.

ASHA has stated that its role is to advocate for the profession within the established processes of the American Medical Association (AMA) and CMS while following required confidentiality rules during the review process.

This review is part of the normal CPT cycle, but the outcome could reshape how speech therapy services are billed nationwide.

Additional recent updates include:

• Audiology code changes in 2026, replacing codes 92590–92595 with new codes 92634–92637 and others
• Ongoing updates to telehealth coverage, with some temporary codes extended through at least 2027
• Continued review of therapy code valuation and reimbursement models

Providers can review ASHA’s update at www.asha.org/news/2026/update-on-cpt-code-92507-valuation-review-underway/.

Why These Changes Matter
If implemented as proposed, these updates could require major adjustments in daily clinical practice, including:

• New documentation requirements to support timed billing
• Changes to scheduling and session length
• Additional staff training on coding and compliance
• Financial planning to prepare for possible reimbursement reductions

These impacts could affect not only providers but also the availability of services for children, adults, and families who rely on speech-language pathology and audiology care.

Policy decisions are still being made, which means advocacy right now can make a difference.

How You Can Help
You do not need to serve on a national committee to support advocacy efforts. Every provider, clinic, and professional organization can contribute.

Stay informed. Follow updates from:

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
• American Medical Association (AMA)
• CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule announcements
• CPT Editorial Panel updates

Participate in the process. The CPT Editorial Panel and CMS both allow input from interested parties. Learning how the process works helps ensure the professions are represented. More information on the CPT Interested Party process can be found at
www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/cpt/cpt-editorial-panel-meeting-interested-party.

Support professional advocacy organizations. National and state associations rely on member involvement to represent providers during code reviews, valuation discussions, and reimbursement negotiations.

Educate colleagues and administrators. Many providers are unaware of these proposed changes. Sharing accurate information helps clinics prepare and strengthens the collective voice of the professions.

Speak up when public comments are requested. When CMS releases proposed rules, public comments are reviewed and can influence final decisions. Submitting feedback—individually or through professional organizations—helps ensure therapy services remain accessible.

The Bottom Line
Speech-language pathology and audiology services depend on fair coding, accurate valuation, and sustainable reimbursement. Proposed CMS and CPT changes for 2027 could reshape the way therapy is delivered across the country.

Advocacy is not optional; it is part of protecting the future of the professions and the patients we serve.

Staying informed, participating in the process, and supporting professional organizations are the most effective ways you can help.