Advanced Search

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Keep a Count on Cranial Nerves

Published on Mon Jun 27, 2011

Question: During an E/M when the neurosurgeon used the 97 exam, is it fine to just say cranial nerves 2-12 are normal or would they have to specify for each nerve?Ohio SubscriberAnswer: The specific cranial nerve(s) need to be identified. Those included in the neurological examination are CN2, 3/4/6, 5, 7, 8, 11, and 12. You must document all of the cranial nerves as well as the rest of the required bullets for the basis of a comprehensive neurological examination.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

View All