How To Use CPT Code 95700
CPT 95700 refers to an Electroencephalogram (EEG) continuous recording procedure with a minimum of 8 channels, including video recording, setup, patient education, and takedown when performed by an EEG technologist. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 95700.
1. What is CPT 95700?
CPT 95700 is a medical procedure code used to describe an Electroencephalogram (EEG) continuous recording with a minimum of 8 channels. This procedure includes video recording, setup, patient education, and takedown when performed by an EEG technologist. The EEG is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of the brain and helps healthcare providers diagnose various neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, dementia, and brain injuries.
2. 95700 CPT code description
The official description of CPT code 95700 is: “Electroencephalogram (EEG) continuous recording, with video when performed, setup, patient education, and takedown when performed, administered in person by EEG technologist, minimum of 8 channels.”
3. Procedure
- The patient is positioned in a supine position.
- The EEG technologist attaches a minimum of 8 electrodes or sensors to the patient’s head.
- Wires connect the sensors to a computer, which records the electrical activity of the brain.
- The computer displays a graphical representation of the brain’s electrical activity on a monitor or prints out the graphical recording.
- The procedure includes setup and takedown, as well as patient education and video recording, if performed.
4. Qualifying circumstances
Patients eligible to receive CPT 95700 services are those who require an EEG to diagnose or monitor neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, dementia, nervous system or mental disorders, head injuries, tumors, coma, or brain death. Additionally, providers may use electroencephalography to measure brain activity during a surgical procedure. The procedure must be performed by an EEG technologist in person, and the recording must have a minimum of 8 channels.
5. When to use CPT code 95700
It is appropriate to bill the 95700 CPT code when a patient requires an EEG continuous recording with a minimum of 8 channels, administered by an EEG technologist. This includes video recording, setup, patient education, and takedown when performed. The procedure is used to diagnose or monitor various neurological conditions and measure brain activity during surgical procedures.
6. Documentation requirements
To support a claim for CPT 95700, the following information should be documented:
- Patient’s medical history and reason for the EEG
- Details of the procedure, including the number of channels used and the involvement of an EEG technologist
- Whether video recording, setup, patient education, and takedown were performed
- Results of the EEG, including any abnormal patterns of brain activity
- Diagnosis or monitoring of the neurological condition based on the EEG results
7. Billing guidelines
When billing for CPT code 95700, it is essential to consider the length of the EEG recording and/or monitoring, the involvement of an EEG technologist or physician or other QHCP, and whether a video recording was made. Review or analysis and a technical summary or report are usually included. CPT 95700 should be reported once per recording period. For EEG using patient-placed electrode sets, use CPT code 95999. For setup performed by a non-EEG technologist or remotely supervised by an EEG technologist, use CPT code 95999.
8. Historical information
CPT 95700 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2020. There have been no updates since its addition.
9. Similar codes to CPT 95700
Five similar codes to CPT 95700 and how they differentiate are:
- CPT 95705 to 95716: These codes involve EEG procedures performed by an EEG technologist but may vary in the number of channels, recording duration, and additional services provided.
- CPT 95717 to 95726: These codes involve EEG procedures performed by a physician or other QHCP and may vary in the number of channels, recording duration, and additional services provided.
- CPT 95813: This code is for an EEG with extended monitoring lasting 61 to 119 minutes.
- CPT 95999: This code is used for EEG procedures using patient-placed electrode sets or setup performed by a non-EEG technologist or remotely supervised by an EEG technologist.
10. Examples
Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 95700 procedures:
- A patient with a history of seizures undergoes an 8-channel EEG with video recording to diagnose epilepsy.
- A patient with suspected sleep apnea undergoes an EEG continuous recording during a sleep study to monitor brain activity.
- An individual with a history of head trauma undergoes an EEG to assess the extent of brain injury.
- A patient with memory loss and cognitive decline undergoes an EEG to evaluate the possibility of dementia.
- An individual with a brain tumor undergoes an EEG to monitor brain activity before and after surgery.
- A patient in a coma undergoes an EEG to assess brain function and prognosis.
- An individual with a history of migraines undergoes an EEG to evaluate the underlying cause of the headaches.
- A patient with a suspected nervous system disorder undergoes an EEG to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.
- An individual with a mental disorder undergoes an EEG to assess brain activity and guide treatment decisions.
- A patient undergoing brain surgery has an EEG performed during the procedure to monitor brain activity and ensure patient safety.