Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert
Select Unlisted-Procedure Code for QST
Question: Which is the proper code to describe quantitative sensory testing? Answer: CPT does not now contain a code to describe quantitative sensory testing (QST). Therefore, the best code choice to describe this procedure is 95999 (Unlisted neurological or neuromuscular diagnostic procedure).
Vermont Subscriber
When submitting the claim, you should also include a form letter explaining QST and its benefits. The letter should describe the amount of work involved in the procedure by comparing it to other similar diagnostic tests (such as evoked potentials) so the insurer can make an educated decision concerning proper reimbursement.
QST describes a set or type of tests that measure sensations mediated by different kinds of nerve fibers, such as vibrotactile sensations mediated by large nerve fibers, cooling sensation mediated by medium-size nerve fibers, warm sensation mediated by small nerve fibers, and heat- and cold-evoked pain sensations, which are mediated by the smallest nerve fibers.
QST procedures are noninvasive and do not involve needles or electric shocks. They are generally painless, except when testing heat- and cold-evoked pain sensations (which produces a sensation similar to a pin prick to the finger).
Experts consider some tests of this type to be more sensitive than sensory-evoked potential (95925-95927) or nerve conduction (95900-95904) studies in that they provide information about sensations mediated by even the minutest nerve fibers.
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