E2506: Speech generating device, digitized speech, using pre-recorded messages, greater than 40 minutes recording time
E2506 is a HCPCS Level II code for speech generating device, digitized speech, using pre-recorded messages, greater than 40 minutes recording time. It belongs to the Durable Medical Equipment section. Whether Medicare pays it depends on the coverage rule below.
Medicare coverage: Special coverage instructions apply
There are published conditions attached to this code. Check the applicable coverage policy before billing it: the code being valid is not the same as the service being covered.
From the coverage field of the CMS Alpha-Numeric HCPCS File, release 2026Q4-Oct. This states Medicare’s position on the code, not on your particular claim.
Medically Unlikely Edits: units per day
The most units of E2506 Medicare will pay on one date of service. Bill more on a single line and it is denied. The limit is not the same in every setting, so the row that matters is the one matching the claim you are building.
- practitioner
- 0, never payable MAI 3: Date of Service Edit: Clinical · CMS Policy
- outpatient
- 0, never payable MAI 3: Date of Service Edit: Clinical · CMS Policy
- DME supplier
- 1 unit MAI 2: Date of Service Edit: Policy · Code Descriptor / CPT Instruction
The adjudication indicator decides whether exceeding the limit is worth appealing at all: MAI 1 is a line edit you can support with documentation, MAI 3 is a date-of-service edit that is also appealable, and MAI 2 is absolute, no documentation overrides it. CMS MUE 2026Q4.
The CMS record for E2506
- Long descriptor
- Speech generating device, digitized speech, using pre-recorded messages, greater than 40 minutes recording time
- Short descriptor
- Sgd prerec msg > 40 min
- Added
- January 1, 2004
- BETOS
- D1E
- Pricing indicator
- 32: DMEPOS
The official wording. This is what the code means.
CMS's 28-character form, which is what shows up on a remittance advice.
When CMS introduced the code.
Berenson-Eggers Type of Service: CMS's own analytic grouping.
Inexpensive and routinely purchased DME. Price subject to floors and ceilings.
Codes adjacent to E2506
HCPCS has no hierarchy: related items simply sit next to each other in the numbering. If E2506 is not quite right, the correct code is very often within a few positions of it.
- E2396Power wheelchair accessory, caster fork, any size, replacement only, each
- E2397Power wheelchair accessory, lithium-based battery, each
- E2398Wheelchair accessory, dynamic positioning hardware for back
- E2402Negative pressure wound therapy electrical pump, stationary or portable
- E2403External ocular negative pressure pump, electric
- E2500Speech generating device, digitized speech, using pre-recorded messages, less than or equal to 8 minutes recording time
- E2502Speech generating device, digitized speech, using pre-recorded messages, greater than 8 minutes but less than or equal to 20 minutes recording time
- E2504Speech generating device, digitized speech, using pre-recorded messages, greater than 20 minutes but less than or equal to 40 minutes recording time
- E2508Speech generating device, synthesized speech, requiring message formulation by spelling and access by physical contact with the device
- E2510Speech generating device, synthesized speech, permitting multiple methods of message formulation and multiple methods of device access
- E2511Speech generating software program, for personal computer or personal digital assistant
- E2512Accessory for speech generating device, mounting system
- E2513Accessory for speech generating device, electromyographic sensor
- E2599Accessory for speech generating device, not otherwise classified
- E2601General use wheelchair seat cushion, width less than 22 inches, any depth
- E2602General use wheelchair seat cushion, width 22 inches or greater, any depth