Summary & Overview
CPT 92571: Distorted Words Auditory Processing Test
CPT code 92571 represents a diagnostic audiologic test in which a clinician presents distorted words to measure a patient’s ability to recognize and repeat speech, commonly used in the assessment of auditory processing disorders (APDs). Nationwide, this procedure supports differential diagnosis when patients report difficulty understanding speech despite normal pure-tone thresholds, guiding referrals and management across audiology and otolaryngology services.
Key payers addressed in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The review summarizes coverage approaches, typical site-of-service patterns, and clinical context relevant to billing and utilization. Benchmarks cover service frequency and common billing patterns where available, and the policy overview highlights typical coverage considerations and documentation elements insurers often request for diagnostic audiologic procedures.
Readers will gain a concise clinical description of the test, an overview of payer coverage themes, and practical context for coding and claim submission. The document outlines where the test is typically performed, the clinical indications that prompt testing, and the operational implications for audiology and ENT practices. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 92571 describes an auditory test in which the provider presents distorted words to a patient to assess their ability to understand and repeat spoken language. This evaluation is used to identify auditory processing disorders (APDs) and to characterize difficulties in speech perception that are not explained solely by peripheral hearing loss.
Service Type: Diagnostic audiologic testing
Typical Site of Service: Audiology clinic or outpatient otolaryngology/ear, nose, and throat clinic
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 10-year-old child is referred by a pediatrician and an educational audiologist for evaluation of listening difficulties and poor classroom comprehension despite normal pure-tone thresholds. The patient presents to an outpatient audiology clinic staffed by a licensed audiologist. The clinical workflow begins with a case history focused on speech understanding, attention, learning concerns, and medical history. Otoscopy and tympanometry are performed to rule out middle ear dysfunction. Standard pure-tone audiometry and speech recognition in quiet are completed. When speech-in-noise or suprathreshold auditory processing concerns persist, the clinician administers the distorted-word test 92571 to assess the patient’s ability to recognize and repeat words presented with spectral or temporal distortion. Test results are interpreted in the context of prior audiometric data and questionnaires; findings may support a diagnosis of auditory processing disorder, guide recommendations for classroom accommodations, or prompt referral for speech-language evaluation. Typical site of service is an outpatient audiology clinic or hospital outpatient department. Service type is diagnostic audiology/specialized speech-recognition testing.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the professional (interpretation) portion of when applicable and the facility bills separately. |