Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question: One of our office RN staff performed a cognitive assessment on a patient consisting of general cognitive function, general cognitive proficiency,information processing speed, information processing accuracy, attention/mental control, reasoning/calculation,memory, spatial processing, and reaction time. Our neurologist completed a report of the results, but the physician had no face-to-face time with the patient. How should this be coded? Kansas Subscriber Answer: These types of cognitive tests are often also referred to as neuropsychological tests. These tests are used to evaluate brain function for neurocognitive impairments, including such areas as memory and attention, the ability to understand and express language, and reasoning and problemsolving ability. Neuropsychological tests can be administered by the physician/psychologist, by a technician, or by computer. CPT code 96119 (Neuropsychological testing [e.g.,Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery, Wechsler Memory Scales and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test], with qualified health care professional interpretation and report,administered by technician, per hour of technician time, face-to-face) [...]