Psychiatry Coding & Reimbursement Alert

Question: Can you advise me on how to use the updated neuropsychological testing codes? 

Washington, DC Subscriber

Answer: For neuropsychological tests, use one of these codes:

• 96118 -- Neuropsychological testing (e.g., Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery, Wechsler Memory Scales and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test), per hour of the psychologist's or physician's time, both face-to-face time administering tests to the patient and time interpreting these test results and preparing the report.
• 96119 -- Neuropsychological testing ... with qualified health care professional interpretation and report, administered by technician, per hour of technician time, face-to-face
• 96120 -- Neuropsychological testing ... administered by a computer, with qualified health care professional interpretation and report.

To choose the appropriate code, check who performs and interprets the test. You can distinguish between 96118, 96119, and 96120 based on the testing and interpretation/reporting provider using these guidelines:

• Use 96118 for a test administered by a physician or a psychologist. The same individual must also interpret the test results and prepare the report. Code 96118 includes the interpretation and report.
• Report 96119 for a test that a technician administers. Another qualified healthcare professional completes the interpretation and report.
• Assign 96120 for a test administered by the computer. A qualified healthcare professional does the interpretation and report.

Note: For more on neuropsychological testing, see future issues of Psychiatry Coding & Reimbursement Alert.