Take the fear out of modifier 59 using the scenarios our experts reveal. Choosing the appropriate code to describe your nerve conduction test can prove to be a challenging proposition --" until you learn three key areas to study. Follow these steps to make the right choice every time. Differentiate Between Code Choices Physicians use nerve conduction studies (NCS) to evaluate the function and electrical conduction of motor and sensory nerves in the body. When you face NCS coding, CPT offers three options: 95900 -- Nerve conduction, amplitude and latency/velocity study, each nerve; motor, without F-wave study 95903 -- ... motor, with F-wave study 95904 -- ... sensory. First step: Report codes 95900, 95903, and 95904 by "each nerve," according to their CPT descriptors. Make sure you follow this guide and aren't reporting multiple units of service for NCS testing at multiple sites on the same nerve as "separate nerves." "Use 95900, 95903, and/or 95904 only once when the provider stimulates or records multiple sites on the same nerve," Wink says. Code 95903 includes both the F-wave study and the underlying motor nerve conduction study. According to National Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits, you can't bill both 95900 and 95903 for motor NCS testing on the same nerve. CCI considers the Column 2 code, 95900 as a component of the more comprehensive Column 1 code 95903. Know When to Add Modifiers Modifiers can come in handy when coding nerve conduction studies, especially when the physician tests different nerves or nerve branches or performs different diagnostic NCS. Example 1: Because the neurologist conducted the diagnostic studies on different nerves, report 95900 for the first motor NCS and 95903 for the second. Assign modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to the 95900 code to indicate that the neurologist performed a separate motor NCS on a different nerve. Example 2: Submit 95903 for two units and 95900-59 for one unit. Here's why: according to CCI, the 95900 procedure is bundled into 95903 when the doctor performs an F-wave study -- as well as a regular motor nerve study (95900) -- on the same nerve (as in the example above). Because 95903 is the primary code describing the more substantial procedure, bill it on the first line. Report 95900 with modifier 59 appended on the second line for the additional, separate radial motor nerve to EDC NCS. Warning: Establish Medical Necessity "The patient's signs and/or symptoms or a confirmed diagnosis support medical necessity when ordering a diagnostic procedure," Wink says. "The physician must document the information in the order and note for the procedure." Information supporting medical necessity should also be in the professional interpretation report for the diagnostic study. Watch: Also check your neurologist's documentation for confirmed diagnoses that could contribute to improper nerve function (such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, alcoholism, etc.). Remember, however, that coding these types of conditions alone won't justify NCS. Check for documentation of symptoms the physician evaluates (such as numbness, 782.0, Disturbance of skin sensation) that can help support testing. "The other condition is a reason why the physician might think the patient need NCS," says Catherine French, manager of medical economics with AANEM in Rochester, Minn. "For example, the patient might have numbness and be a diabetic. Therefore, it's reasonable to look for neuropathy." "Always code a confirmed condition if it's documented," Wink adds. "Otherwise, use symptoms the patient presented with. Code systemic conditions like diabetes as secondary to further support medical necessity of the diagnostic procedure." Tip: Caveat: