Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Choose From 95925-95927 for SSEP

Question: Which codes should I use for SSEP?


Kansas Subscriber


Answer: You should choose from three codes for SSEP, or short-latency somatosensory evoked potentials, depending on location:

  • 95925 - Short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study, stimulation of any/all peripheral nerves or skin sites, recording from the central nervous system; in upper limbs

  • 95926 - ... in lower limbs

  • 95927 - ... in the trunk or head.

    Regardless of the number of skin sites (dermatomes) the neurologist tests during sensory EPs, you may report only a single unit of 95925-95927, as appropriate to the body area the neurologist studies.

    Although the descriptors for 95925-92927 do not specify a minimum number of testing sites, these codes do indicate a bilateral procedure. Therefore, if the neurologist studies dermatomes on one side of the body only, you must append modifier -52 (Reduced services) to the appropriate sensory EP study code, according to CPT Assistant, April 2002.

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