Time Is of the Essence When Billing +95941
Question: I understand that CPT® +95941 (Continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring, from outside the operating room (remote or nearby) or for monitoring of more than one case while in the operating room, per hour (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)) is to be used once each hour. If the time spent monitoring a patient is one hour and 36 minutes, would that be reported as 2 units? The code’s descriptor states not to report if monitoring is 30 minutes or less, but it doesn't state anything about exceeding the 30-minute period. I am thinking 2 units wouldn’t be applicable in this situation, but I am getting conflicting information. Are you able to help? Arizona Subscriber Answer: Yes, billing for 2 units is the correct method for the scenario you described. According to the American Academy of Neurology, “For code +95941, 30 minutes or more is rounded up to one hour.” So, you would report 2 units of 95941 for one hour and 36 minutes of monitoring. Make note: The initial unit of 95941 can be billed once 30 minutes of monitoring has passed and after considering the time taken for baseline performance and interpretation. Lindsey Bush, BA, MA, CPC, Production Editor, AAPC
