Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Correct Reporting for Q-EEG

Published on Mon Sep 24, 2012

Question: What is the appropriate code for quantitative electroencephalography (Q-EEG)?

Alaska Subscriber

Answer: Q-EEG, used as an adjunct to conventional EEG in the diagnosis of certain neurological conditions, is an extended analysis of EEG using computer technology that uses multiple electrodes and digitizes electrical brain wave activity. The topographic brain mapping can be be analyzed to show progressive changes in neurophysiological function. It is also referred to as Brain Electrical Activity Mapping (BEAM).

You may report code 95957 (Digital analysis of electroencephalogram [EEG] [e.g., for epileptic spike analysis]) for Q-EEG.

Some payers reference to HCPCS code S8040 (Topographic Brain Mapping) in addition to/or instead of the 95957 code.

Note: 95957 is not an add-on code, but you need to bill it with one of the other CPT® codes for EEG (95816, 95819, 95822, 95812, 95813, 95951, and 95953). Also, some payers may deny 95957 with 95813.

Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

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