Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question: We do neuropsych testing with computer-based testing. When the patient comes for the initial office visit, the neurologist orders the test, and we bill an E/M code for her office visit. When the patient comes back on a different day for the test, a nurse practitioner (NP) usually stays in the room with the patient. Our neurologist does the final interpretation. Since the test is computer-based, what code should we be reporting? Missouri Subscriber Answer: You'll need to choose between two codes: 96119 (Neuropsychological testing [eg, 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) or 96120 (Neuropsychological testing [eg, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test],administered by a computer, with qualified health care professional interpretation and report). The difference between the neuropsychological testing codes is "who" administered the test. Code 96120 "should [...]