Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Question: How would we code an EEG video monitoring of less than six hours? Can we submit code 95813 when the test is less than six hours? Can we use modifier 52 for reduced services?

Florida Subscriber

Answer: You would not be correct to submit code 95813 (Electroencephalogram [EEG] extended monitoring; greater than 1 hour) because it doesn't represent video recording and interpretation. Instead, you should report 95951 (Monitoring for localization of cerebral seizure focus by cable or radio, 16 or more channel telemetry, combined electroencephalographic [EEG] and video recording and interpretation [e.g., for presurgical localization], each 24 hours) with modifier 52 (Reduced services) as directed by the CPT® section guidelines. CPT® guidelines direct you to use modifier 52 for less than 12 hours.