Summary & Overview
CPT 92611: Videofluoroscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Function
Headline: CPT 92611: Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study — Dynamic Evaluation of Swallowing Function
Lead: CPT 92611 designates a motion fluoroscopic, cine/video-recorded evaluation of swallowing function used to visualize dynamic swallowing physiology. The procedure is a critical diagnostic tool for identifying aspiration risk, characterizing bolus flow abnormalities, and guiding therapeutic planning for patients with suspected dysphagia.
What it represents and why it matters: As a standardized code for videofluoroscopic swallowing studies, CPT 92611 facilitates consistent documentation and billing across clinical settings where speech-language pathologists and radiology teams collaborate. Nationally, the code supports diagnostic clarity for a wide range of swallowing disorders and underpins care pathways that can reduce pneumonia risk, inform diet modification, and direct rehabilitation strategies.
Key payers covered: Major national payers include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Coverage policies and payment practices vary by payer and site of service.
Overview of what readers will learn: This publication explains the clinical context and procedural scope of CPT 92611, summarizes payer coverage considerations, and situates the code alongside related evaluations used in dysphagia assessment. Readers will find concise guidance on typical service settings, coding relationships, and common documentation elements needed to support medical necessity. Data not available in the input for service line details and payer-specific policy nuances will be noted where applicable.
CPT Code Overview
CPT 92611 is a motion fluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing function performed by cine or video recording. This procedure documents dynamic swallowing physiology to identify aspiration, bolus transit abnormalities, and functional deficits in the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing.
Service Type: Evaluative and Therapeutic Otorhinolaryngologic Services
Typical Site of Service: Performed by speech-language pathology services, commonly in outpatient settings such as an office or independent diagnostic testing facility (IDTF).
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 68-year-old outpatient with progressive swallowing difficulty (complaints of choking and coughing with solids and liquids) is referred by an otolaryngologist to speech-language pathology for instrumental assessment. The patient arrives at the speech-language pathology service in an outpatient radiology-capable clinic or independent diagnostic testing facility. A multidisciplinary workflow includes: initial clinical bedside swallowing evaluation by the speech-language pathologist, scheduling of a motion fluoroscopic evaluation, coordination with radiology technologist for videofluoroscopic recording, administration of standardized boluses of varying consistencies under fluoroscopy, real-time collaboration between the speech-language pathologist and radiologist for image acquisition, and generation of a documented interpretive report. Typical indications include evaluation of suspected oropharyngeal or pharyngeal phase dysphagia to define physiology, aspiration risk, and guide therapy planning.
Coding Specifications
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Modifier
26— Professional Component: Used when reporting only the professional component (interpretation and report) of the motion fluoroscopic evaluation provided by a qualified clinician (for example, a radiologist or speech-language pathologist authorized to interpret). -
Modifier
TC— Technical Component: Used when reporting only the technical component (use of equipment, technologist services, and image acquisition) provided by the facility or service entity.
Provider Taxonomies: