Pediatric Coding Alert

Question: Our pediatricians use the Connor's Questionnaire to help determine whether a patient has attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We give the parents one form each and send the form to the child's school for the teacher to fill out.

When the forms are returned, a medical assistant (MA) evaluates and scores the responses. This takes a lot of time. Is there a specific way to code this to submit to the insurance company, or do we just need to consider setting up a fee for this service?


Ohio Subscriber


Answer: Because the Connor's Questionnaire is a standardized screening instrument, you should report its use with 96110 (Developmental testing; limited [e.g., Developmental Screening Test II, Early Language Milestone Screen], with interpretation and report). A nonphysician can administer the form, which may entail giving the instrument to the parent, explaining how to mark his answers and then letting him complete the forms independently (or answering specific questions as needed). A parent, medical technician or other individual can complete the standardized screening instrument.

Beware: Code 96110 does require physician interpretation and discussion with the patient/and or family. There should be documentation of this work in the medical record.