V5268 Telephone Amplifier HCPCS — Reimbursement

HCPCS Level II code V5268 captures provision of an assistive listening device specifically for telephone amplification. Such devices are part of durable medical equipment intended to improve telecommunication accessibility for individuals with hearing impairment. Nationally, this code matters because it standardizes billing for a widely used category of assistive technology that affects patient communication, independence, and access to health services.

Key payers in the analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of typical coverage patterns, common billing practices, and clinical context for use of telephone amplifiers. The publication also outlines benchmarks for utilization and payment where available, relevant policy considerations affecting coverage of assistive listening devices, and coding guidance to align claims with device description and service type.

The article is intended for billing professionals, health policy analysts, and clinical program managers seeking concise background on V5268, how it is used in practice, and what to expect from national payers regarding coverage and reimbursement trends. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.

Billing Code Overview

HCPCS Level II code V5268 denotes an assistive listening device, telephone amplifier, any type. This code represents durable medical equipment designed to amplify sound for telephone use to support patients with hearing impairment.

Service type: Durable medical equipment (assistive listening device)
Typical site of service: Patient home or other personal settings where telephone communication occurs

Clinical Context

A patient with moderate-to-severe sensorineural hearing impairment who reports difficulty hearing telephone conversations is evaluated in an outpatient audiology or ENT clinic. The audiologist or otolaryngologist documents communication limitations, performs diagnostic testing (pure-tone audiometry, speech recognition testing), and determines that an assistive listening device such as a telephone amplifier is clinically appropriate to improve telephone communication. The device is selected, configured, and demonstrated to the patient during the clinic visit; patient education on use and maintenance is provided and the device is dispensed. Typical sites of service include outpatient audiology clinics, otolaryngology (ENT) offices, hearing aid dispensaries operating under licensed audiology/ENT oversight, and durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers when in-person fitting or pickup occurs.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`00`	No modifier (default)	Use when no special circumstances or modifiers apply to the item billed.
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when requiring substantially greater work or resources for counseling/training related to device fitting beyond typical time.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`261QP0800X`	Audiologist	Primary clinical provider for hearing evaluation, device selection, fitting, and patient education.
`207R00000X`	Otolaryngology (ENT)	Provides medical evaluation, diagnosis, and oversight for device prescription and complex cases.
`332B00000X`	Hearing Aid Dispenser	Provides device dispensing, basic fitting, and user training under state regulations and oversight.
`340700000X`	Durable Medical Equipment Supplier	Supplies, bills, and manages inventory of assistive listening devices when provided through DME channels.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`H90.3`	Sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral	Common indication for telephone amplifiers to improve speech perception on the telephone.
`H90.41`	Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, right ear, with unrestricted hearing on the left	May prompt use of assistive listening devices for telephone use on the affected side.
`H90.42`	Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, left ear, with unrestricted hearing on the right	Same clinical relevance as other unilateral sensorineural losses.
`H91.90`	Unspecified hearing loss, unspecified ear	Used when the specific type is not yet fully classified but assistive device is indicated.
`G31.84`	Mild cognitive impairment, so stated	Cognitive concerns can affect communication strategy and increase need for amplification and simplified phone interfaces.
`Z46.6`	Encounter for fitting and adjustment of hearing aid	Administrative code often used to document device fitting and adjustment encounters applicable to assistive listening devices.
`Z99.89`	Dependence on other enabling machines and devices, not elsewhere classified	Used rarely to indicate reliance on communication devices in the medical record when clinically relevant.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`92557`	Comprehensive audiometry threshold evaluation and speech recognition (includes pure-tone testing and speech testing)	Performed prior to device selection to document hearing thresholds and speech understanding that justify an assistive listening telephone amplifier.
`92567`	Tympanometry and reflex thresholds	Performed as part of the audiologic evaluation to assess middle ear status before fitting amplification devices when clinically indicated.
`92626`	Evaluation of auditory rehabilitation status; first hour	Used for counseling and aural rehabilitation services related to device use and telephone communication training.
`99070`	Supplies and materials provided by the physician over and above those usually included with the office visit	May be used by some payers for low-cost, non-DME accessories or disposables associated with device fitting when allowed.
`97112`	Neuromuscular reeducation (example of therapy codes that may accompany rehabilitation visits)	Occasionally used when structured auditory training or therapy sessions are provided after device issuance.

OpenPayer

Summary & Overview

HCPCS Level II V5268: Assistive Listening Device, Telephone Amplifier