CPT® Code 92523

Evaluation of speech sound production (eg, articulation, phonological process, apraxia, dysarthria); with evaluation of language comprehension and expression (eg, receptive and expressive language)

The CPT® Code 92523 pertains to the evaluation of speech sound production, which encompasses various aspects such as articulation, phonological processes, apraxia, and dysarthria. This evaluation is conducted in conjunction with an assessment of language comprehension and expression, which includes both receptive and expressive language skills. Disorders related to speech sound production and language comprehension typically present in children before the age of four. These disorders can be attributed to a range of factors, including brain injuries, developmental issues like autistic spectrum disorders, hearing impairments, and learning disabilities. In cases of receptive language disorders, individuals may struggle to understand spoken language, follow directions, and organize their thoughts effectively. Conversely, expressive language disorders can manifest as challenges in constructing coherent sentences, difficulties in word retrieval, reliance on filler words such as 'um,' a reduced vocabulary for their age, omission of words during speech, incorrect tense usage, and the repetition of phrases. A comprehensive evaluation by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) is essential and should include an audiogram to assess hearing capabilities, which is reported separately. Additionally, the evaluation process involves both formal and informal observations, as well as the use of standardized testing tools, such as the Receptive-Expressive Emergent Language Test (REEL), to accurately assess the individual's speech and language abilities.