Summary & Overview
CPT 92617: Endoscopic Swallowing Evaluation Interpretation and Report
CPT code 92617 covers the interpretation and reporting of a video-recorded endoscopic evaluation of the pharynx and larynx performed to assess swallowing muscle function and laryngeal sensory and motor deficits. This code captures the professional component of reviewing recorded endoscopic images and producing a documented interpretation, a service that informs diagnosis and management of dysphagia and related airway protection issues. Nationally, use of this code reflects growing emphasis on objective, image-based assessment in swallowing disorders and can affect care pathways across acute, outpatient, and post-acute settings.
Key payers referenced in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for 92617, typical sites of service, common modifiers and billing considerations, and where available, payer coverage patterns and coding practice implications. The report also summarizes how 92617 interacts with related service lines such as instrumental swallowing assessments and documentation expectations for interpretation and reporting. Data not available in the input will be clearly noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 92617 describes interpretation of a video recording from an endoscopic evaluation of a patient’s pharynx to assess swallowing muscle function and includes imaging of the laryngeal mucosa to evaluate sensory and motor deficits of laryngeal muscles. The reporting clinician generates a written report of findings based on review of the recorded endoscopic examination.
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Service type: Diagnostic endoscopic interpretation and reporting of pharyngeal and laryngeal function
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgical center, hospital outpatient department, or office setting where endoscopic swallowing evaluations are performed
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 68-year-old patient with progressive dysphagia and recurrent aspiration is referred to an otolaryngologist for assessment of swallowing function and laryngeal sensation. The clinician performs a flexible transnasal endoscopic swallow study with video recording (fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing). The procedure evaluates pharyngeal and laryngeal muscle function, documents sensory and motor deficits of the larynx, and includes testing such as the laryngeal adductor reflex. The provider interprets the recorded video, documents findings in a formal report, and provides recommendations for management. Typical workflow: pre-procedure history and informed consent, topical anesthesia as indicated, transnasal endoscopic evaluation with bolus trials and sensory testing while video is recorded, review and interpretation of the recording, and generation of a diagnostic report placed in the medical record.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the physician/provider interpretation/report component separate from technical services (camera, recording equipment) provided by facility or another entity. |
TC | Technical component |