Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Question: Can you explain the difference between a motor and/or sensory nerve conduction (95905) and a nerve conduction study (NCS)?

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Answer: If your physician performs a motor and/or sensory nerve conduction, they are performing a nerve conduction test “with preconfigured electrodes customized to a specific anatomic site,” according to CPT^®. You’ll report these services with 95905 (Motor and/or sensory nerve conduction, using preconfigured electrode array(s), amplitude and latency/ velocity study, each limb, includes F-wave study when performed, with interpretation and report).

Conversely, an NCS is a “nerve conduction test performed with individually placed stimulating, recording, and ground electrodes. The stimulating, recording, and ground electrode placement and the test design must be individualized to the patient’s unique anatomy. Nerves tested must be limited to the specific nerves and conduction studies needed for the particular clinical question being investigated.

When reporting an NCS, you’ll choose from the following codes, depending on encounter specifics:

• 95907 (Nerve conduction studies; 1-2 studies)
• 95908 (… 3-4 studies)
• 95909 (… 5-6 studies)
• 95910 (… 7-8 studies)
• 95911 (… 9-10 studies)
• 95912 (… 11-12 studies)
• 95913 (… 13 or more studies)

Best bet: If you have a claim that involves a motor/sensory nerve conduction or an NCS and you aren’t sure which, consult with the physician to see how to proceed with this claim.