Augmentative communication device

These services may or may not be covered by all CoOportunity Health plans. Please see your plan documents for your own coverage information. If there is a difference between this general information and your plan documents, your plan will be used to determine your coverage.

Administrative process

Augmentative communication devices (ACD) or electronic speech aids (ESA) do not require prior authorization.

An electronic speech aid as defined below is generally covered subject to the indications listed below and per your plan documents.

An augmentative communication device is not covered per your plan documents.

Indications that are covered

Electronic speech aids are covered for members with a diagnosis of post-laryngectomy, or when the larynx is permanently non-functional, such as post radical neck surgery or radiation. Examples of covered devices for these conditions are an artificial larynx (L8500) or a tracheostomy speaking valve (L8501), tracheo-esophageal voice prosthesis (L8507) or a voice amplifier (L8510).

Indications that are not covered

1. Synthesized speech devices with dynamic display.
2. Any equipment to create, replace or augment communication abilities including, but not limited to,  speech processors, receivers, communication boards, or computer or electronic assisted communication. Codes include, but are not limited to: E2500, E2502, E2504, E2506, E2508 and E2510, L8510.

Augmentative Communication Device (ACD) - a device used as an aid to or to generate speech. It may transmit or produce messages or symbols in a way that compensates for a speech impairment/disability. Examples are communication picture books, communication charts, boards and mechanical or electronic devices.

Electronic speech aids - prosthetics that are used by laryngectomized persons and persons with permanently inoperative larynx. One type operates by placing a vibrating head against the throat. Another amplifies sound waves through a tube which is inserted into the user's mouth.

If available, codes are listed below for informational purposes only, and do not guarantee member coverage or provider reimbursement. The list may not be all-inclusive.

E2500 - Speech generating device, digitized speech, using pre-recorded messages, less than
or equal to eight minutes recording time
E2502 - Speech generating device, digitized speech, using prerecorded messages, greater
than 8 minutes but less than or equal to 20 minutes recording time
E2504 - Speech generating device, digitized speech, using prerecorded messages, greater
than 20 minutes but less than or equal to 40 minutes recording time
E2506 - Speech generating device, digitized speech, using prerecorded messages, greater
than 40 minutes recording time
E2508 - Speech generating device, synthesized speech, requiring message formulation by
spelling and access by physical contact with the device
E2510 - Speech generating device, synthesized speech, permitting multiple methods of message
formulation and multiple methods of device access
L8500 - Artificial larynx, any type
L8501 - Tracheostomy-speaking valve
L8507 – Tracheo-esophageal voice prosthesis, patient inserted, any type, each
L8510- Voice Amplifier

CPT Copyright American Medical Association. All rights reserved. CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.

Vendor

Items must be received from a contracted vendor when available for in-network benefits to apply.

This information is for most, but not all, CoOportunity Health plans. Please read your plan documents to see if your plan has limits or will not cover some items. If there is a difference between this general information and your plan documents, your plan documents will be used to determine your coverage.

CoOportunity Health has contracted with HealthPartners Administrators, Inc. to provide claims processing, medical management and certain other administrative services.