Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question:  Is there a code to report current perception threshold testing?  I can't find anything in CPT that corresponds to this test.  Should I use an unlisted-precedure code?

Answer: You can find the appropriate code for current perception threshold testing - more commonly called sensory nerve conduction test (SNCT) - in the HCPCS manual, listed as G0255 (Current perception threshold/sensory nerve conduction test [SNCT], per limb, any nerve).

For private payers that do not accept HCPCS codes, however, you may turn to unlisted-procedure CPT code 95999 (Unlisted neurological or neuromuscular diagnostic procedure).

Whether you are billing Medicare or a private insurer, however, don't count on receiving payment for SNCT. Because of the subjective nature of the test (SNCT relies on patient responses, rather than the measurable, objective data generated during nerve conduction studies or other tests), many payers do not consider the tests demonstrably effective at diagnosing disorders. Therefore, they will not cover and pay for SNCT as reasonable or medically necessary.