Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question: What is the correct date of service for an EEG interpretation? The test was done on June 15th but the interpretation did not happen until June 30. Which date do we use for the professional component?

Maine Subscriber

Answer: When your physician is interpreting the EEG, you report the professional component by appending modifier 26 (Professional component). Most payers require the interpretation of the diagnostic study to be billed with the date of service that the study was performed. For example, if the EEG study was performed on July 1st and the neurologist completes the report of his interpretation on July 3rd, the professional component would be billed with the July 1st date of service. For your example, the EEG interpretation would be billed with the June 15th date, unless directed differently by a payer. The place of service would also be the same for the most part as the location where the patient had the EEG performed. Such an interpretation may be separately recorded in the clinical notes. The interpretation should include the date and preferably the time of the interpretation. There should be detailed notes of any abnormal findings and the physician's conclusion.