Here is a Q &A from my medtronic rep. Might be helpful for you
Q: What are the new 2013 CPT codes for intraoperative monitoring?
A: CPT code 95920 has been deleted effective January 2013. Three new codes (95940, 95941, and G0453) have been added. New code
95940 is reported per 15 minutes of service and reports only the time monitoring provider was physically present in the operating
room providing one-on-one patient monitoring. New code 95941 is reported for non-Medicare cases in which monitoring provider
is not in the operating room or when provider is monitoring more than one case. These codes should be used in conjunction
with the study performed: 92585, 95822, 95860-95870, 95907-95913, and 95925-95939. Do not report these codes for automated
monitoring devices that do not require continuous attendance by a qualified professional to interpret the testing and monitoring.
Medicare Note: 95941 may not be used for Medicare beneficiaries because it allows a provider to remotely monitor several patients at the
same time. CMS now allows a provider to monitor only one patient at a time, so G0453 is used for continuous remote monitoring for one
patient (outside the operating room).
Q: How has Medicare changed its coverage policy for intraoperative monitoring?
A: Medicare will now allow a provider to monitor only one patient at a time (95940 if in the operating room and G0453 if outside the
operating room). Time billed is based on actual monitoring time. Physicians may bill Medicare for one unit of G0453 if at least 8
minutes of service is provided as long as no more than 4 units of G0453 are billed for each 60 minutes.
Q: Who can bill for intra-operative nerve monitoring (IOM)?
A: Criteria for commercial payers may vary, so physicians should contact their provider-relations representative. Under Medicare rules,
the operating surgeon is not paid separately for IOM. The following providers can bill if they have a separate provider number from
the operating surgeon:
• A physician who is not performing the surgical procedure
• An audiologist trained and certified in electrophysiologic monitoring
• A physical therapist trained and certified in electrophysiologic monitoring
• A neurophysiologist, neurologist, or physiatrist
Q: If the operating surgeon’s partner performs the nerve monitoring, can this be billed separately?
A: In general, the operating surgeon’s partner cannot bill for nerve monitoring separately. From the payer perspective, a physician and
the physician’s partners is the same person. Since the operating surgeon cannot bill nerve monitoring separately, a partner cannot
bill separately. One common exception is when the operating surgeon and the partner are in different specialties, in which case
some payers allow them to bill separately. (Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 12, 30.65.) Criteria for commercial payers
may vary, so physicians should contact their provider-relations representative.
Q: Can hospital outpatient departments or ambulatory surgery centers bill for intra-operative nerve monitoring?
A: Under Medicare APCs, the hospital and/or ASC can bill for the technical component of the EMG codes, such as CPT 95867 or CPT
95868 and receive separate payment. However, Medicare considers the intraoperative nerve monitoring codes to be a “packaged”
service. The hospital and/or ASC can and should submit the code, but payment for 95940, 95941, or G0453 will be included in
the payment for the primary procedure, so no separate payment is made. Contact your commercial payers for specific payment
information on intraoperative monitoring.