Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question: One of our physicians says he can concurrently monitor intraoperative neurophysiology while conducting office visits. I think otherwise; what should I do about these claims? Michigan Subscriber Answer: Code +95920 (Intraoperative neurophysiology testing, per hour [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) is an add-on code, which means you must report it with a larger-scope service. CPT lists several procedures you can report with 95920, including 92585 (Auditory evoked potentials for evoked response audiometry and/or testing of the central nervous system; comprehensive), 95860 (Needle electromyography; one extremity with or without related paraspinal areas), 95900 (Nerve conduction, amplitude and latency/velocity study, each nerve; motor, without F-wave study) and others. See the first parenthetical note with 95920 in CPT for a complete list of accepted primary services. None of the services listed, however, include office visits such as 99211-99215 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient ...). You are correct in thinking a physician should not report 95920 with an office visit.