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Inventis SYNAPSYS VHIT - February 2026

What is the Difference Between CPT and ICD-9 Codes?

Robert C. Fifer, PhD

January 16, 2006

Question

What is the difference between CPT and ICD-9 codes?

Answer

A Current Procedures Terminology (CPT) code is a procedure such as an ABR or reflex testing. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (usually abbreviated as ICD) is in its 9th revision. The ICD-9 is a diagnostic code such as 388.30 for tinnitus, unspecified.

Robert C. Fifer, Ph.D. is currently the Director of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology at the Mailman Center for Child Development, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami School of Medicine. Dr. Fifer is the President of the Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, a member of ASHA's Health Care Economics Committee, and the ASHA representative to the American Medical Association's Health Care Professions Advisory Committee for the Relative Value Utilization Committee in addition to being ASHA's representative to the AMA's Practice Expense Advisory Committee.


robert c fifer

Robert C. Fifer, PhD

Director of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology at the Mailman Center for Child Development at the University of Miami

Robert C. Fifer, Ph.D. is Director of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology at the Mailman Center for Child Development at the University of Miami.  Dr. Fifer represents ASHA on the AQC. 


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