Wiki Nerve Conduction Studies Example/Question

[JennyLynn]

Hi Neurology Coders,
I am trying to make sense of an FAQ from a separate coding forum site which gives the following guideline to code nerve conduction studies:

.....

Question: How would you report a typical carpal tunnel syndrome patient with nocturnal right hand numbness the following NCSs:
* bilateral median nerve motor nerve without F-wave, two point stimulation,
* unilateral ulnar motor nerve without F-wave, two point stimulation,
* bilateral median nerve sensory,
* unilateral ulnar nerve sensory,
* unilateral median nerve midpalmar mixed, and
* unilateral ulnar nerve midpalmar mixed.

Answer: Report code 95910 for eight NCSs performed. ...

Why wouldn't this be six NCS's performed? Can someone explain the last two bullet points and why these are counted as separate studies?

Thank you!!

 

[marvelh]

Because in Appendix J, the Median palmar mixed nerve is a considered separate NCS from the Median sensory nerve to X digit or the Median palmar cutaneous sensory nerve.

Likewise the Ulnar palmar mixed nerve is considered a separate NCS from the Ulnar sensory nerve to X digit or the Ulnar dorsal cutaneous sensory nerve.

This specific example was published in the CPT Assistant March 2013 issue.

Appendix J lists a total of six different Median nerves that could be separately tested. Likewise there are four diferent Ulnar nerves that could be separately tested. Each listing constitutes a separate nerve.

 

[JennyLynn]

Thank you so much!!