Introduction
The heart of being a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is to help others find their voice and thrive. And just like every year, there are important updates to speech therapy coding and billing in 2025.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), about 7.7% of children in the United States between the ages of 3 and 17 have dealt with a voice, speech, language, or swallowing disorder in the past year. This means roughly 1 in 12 children are affected by such conditions.
From updates to caregiver training codes to expanded telehealth options, this year brings important shifts that could impact your daily practice.
1. CPT Code Changes
For 2025, the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes for speech-language pathology services remain the same. No changes to report!
Speech therapy CPT codes comprise everything from initial evaluation to final follow-up sessions, making it easier to track and do the billing for different services.
The most commonly used evaluation codes are:
| CPT Code | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
92521 | Evaluation of Speech Fluency | Analyzes speech fluency, identifying issues like stuttering, stammering, and cluttering. |
92522 | Evaluation of Speech Sound Production | Assesses speech sound production by examining tongue, lip, and jaw movements for pronunciation and pattern issues. |
92523 | This code combines the Evaluation of Speech Sound Production with Language Comprehension and Expression | Provides a comprehensive evaluation of speech sound production, articulation, phonological processes, and the patient’s ability to comprehend and express language. |
2. Caregiver training
Caregiver Training for Functional Performance
There may be no changes to the codes for 2025, but CMS has made an important update regarding patient consent. Clinicians can now receive verbal consent from the patient or a representative to provide caregiver training in the patient’s absence. Just make sure to document that consent—whether written or verbal—in the medical record.
Caregiver Training for Primary Care Services
New G-codes have been introduced and will be live from January 2025. These codes are specific to Medicare, but other insurers may decide to include them in their fee schedules. It’s a good idea to double-check with your payer before billing these codes.
3. New HCPCS Codes for Caregiver Training Services
The following are the HCPCS Codes for caregiver training. These codes show the duration of time dedicated by the professionals to the caregivers of the patient without their presence.
| HCPCS CODE | Description |
|---|---|
G0541 | Caregiver training session (face-to-face)
|
G0542 | Additional time spent on caregiver training beyond the initial 30 minutes.Used in conjunction with G0541.
|
G0543 | Group training session for multiple caregivers (face-to-face)
|
The given below are few HCPCS codes that are relevant for speech-language pathology services:
| HCPCS CODE | Description |
|---|---|
G0153 | This code is for speech-language pathology services performed by a qualified speech-language pathologist in the home health or hospice setting, each 15 minutes. |
S9152 | This code represents a re-evaluation for speech therapy. |
V5362 | This code is for Speech screening services. |
V5363 | This code is for Language screening. |
V5364 | This code is for Dysphagia screening. |
4. KX Modifier Threshold Update
The KX modifier threshold amounts for therapy services have been updated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services(CMS).
The KX Modifier Threshold for therapy services, including speech-language pathology, has been updated to $2,410. This threshold applies to combined therapy services, such as speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
This is an $80 increase from last year’s threshold of $2,330.
5. Telehealth Codes
Speech therapy telehealth services still use the established codes from previous years, making it easier to maintain continuity in patient care and billing.
Telehealth CPT Codes
[CPT 98008 – CPT 98011]- For new patient audio-only telehealth visits.
[CPT 98012 – CPT 98015]- For established patient audio-only telehealth visits.
Caregiver Training via Telehealth
Caregiver training is now available through telehealth by using the new HCPCS codes like G0541, G0542, and G0543. It allows caregivers to receive training and assistance from home.
Note:
For any questions, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can contact ASHA’s healthcare policy team at reimbursement@asha.org.