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Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Muscle Testing:

Use Caution With Separate Procedures on Muscle Tests

Published on Sat Apr 24, 2010

But multiple Dx codes can still give you options.Think you can only report one range-of-motion (ROM) code when your neurologist tests multiple extremities? Think again, because the answer isn't quite so clear cut.Find out the truth behind using 95831 (Muscle testing, manual [separate procedure] with report; extremity [excluding hand] or trunk) using these expert tips -- and stop missing out on the reimbursement you deserve.Manual Muscle Test Means 95831Abnormalities in the human nervous system can often be detected by assessing muscle strength and tone. When your neurologist manually tests muscles in the arm, leg, or trunk, you should report 95831.You would use 95831-95852 (Muscle and range of motion testing procedures) if the physician performs a complete range-of-motion or manual muscle testing (for example, to compare the right and left sides).According to the February 2004 CPT Assistant, you should report 95831-95834 (Muscle testing, manual [separate procedure] with report...) once for each extremity [...]
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