CMS Proposes Permanent Telehealth Coverage for Key Audiology Services in 2026

On July 14, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that announces and solicits public comments on proposed policy changes for Medicare payments under the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and other Medicare Part B issues, effective on or after January 1, 2026.

While there are several proposed changes in the rule, there are two specific updates which may impact future Telehealth Services coverage of audiology and speech-language pathology Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes.

CMS proposes the following changes, which include adding two service codes and a streamlined process for future requests:

1. AddCPT 92622 & 92623 to the permanent telehealth services list.
   1. CPT 92622: diagnostic analysis, programming, and verification of auditory osseointegrated sound processor, any type; first 60 minutes
   1. CPT 92623: …each additional,15 minutes
2. Make the current telehealth services list permanent:
   1. Includes those performed by audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs).  This would incorporate cochlear implant programming service codes among many other services. 
   1. Eliminates the previously used designations of ‘permanent’ and ‘provisional,’ keeping all services as permanent. (‘Provisional’ status required future analysis and rulemaking to change its status.)

The current Medicare telehealth coverage is temporary with an expiration date of September 30, 2025. Legislative action is required for audiologists and SLPs to remain as eligible telehealth providers past this date. For more information on the CMS CY2026 proposed rule, please visit the following websites:

AAA:  CMS Releases Proposed CY 2026 Physician Payment Rule – American Academy of Audiology

ASHA: Medicare Issues 2026 Proposed Payment Policies for Outpatient Services

Cochlear Americas Market Access & Payer Strategy managers are available to provide additional information.  To find your regional expert and review other resources, please visit the REIMBURSEMENT HUB. 

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