Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Key: Count required units and append modifiers to avoid denials.When reporting nerve conduction studies (NCS), you can avoid denials by reporting the correct number of units and appending the needed modifiers. Four factors govern your code choice: which nerve was tested;how many nerves in total were tested;whether the physician completed an F-wave study; andif any pre-configured devices were used. Check out our advice below on rightful NCS reporting and put an end to your denials for these procedures. 1. Identify the Motor or Sensory NerveWhen your neurologist performs a nerve conduction test, first determine if he tested a motor or sensory nerve. CPT® gives you different choice of codes for the two types.For motor nerve testing, report 95900 (Nerve conduction, amplitude and latency/velocity study, each nerve; motor, without F-wave study) or 95903 (Nerve conduction, amplitude and latency/velocity study, each nerve; motor, with F-wave study), depending upon whether the F-wave study [...]