Attention: New NCS code changes
how units are reported.
If you’ve been hesitant on how to report preconfigured
nerve conduction studies (NCS), clarity has
arrived. CPT 2010 debuted a new code effective Jan. 1,
2010 that allows you to accurately report this once hard-tocode
nerve conduction test.
Benefit: CPT 95905 (Motor and/or sensory nerve
conduction, using preconfigured electrode array,
amplitude and latency/velocity study, each limb, includes
F-wave study when performed, with interpretation and
report) provides a code for reporting pre-configured nerve
conduction studies that reflects the work involved, says
James Vavricek, manager of medical economics for the
American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic
Medicine (AANEM).
Change: CPT 95905 overrides the old practice of
reporting a pre-configured NCS to Medicare with a code
from the 95900-95904 range (which describes NCS tests per
nerve) or the unlisted CPT procedure code 95999 (Unlisted
neurological or neuromuscular diagnostic procedure),
explains Marvel J Hammer, RN, CPC, CCS-P, PCS,
ACS-PM, CHCO, with MJH Consulting in Denver, Colo.