How To Use CPT Code 0108T

CPT 0108T describes the procedure for quantitative sensory testing (QST) using cooling stimuli to assess small nerve fiber sensation and hyperalgesia. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0108T?

CPT 0108T can be used to describe the procedure of quantitative sensory testing (QST) using cooling stimuli to assess small nerve fiber sensation and hyperalgesia. This code is used when a healthcare provider measures and quantifies the amount of physical stimuli required for sensory perception to occur in a patient’s extremity. The provider uses a thermode to apply cooling stimuli to the patient’s skin and compares the results to normal values to diagnose damage to small nerve endings.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0108T is: ‘Quantitative sensory testing (QST), testing and interpretation per extremity; using cooling stimuli to assess small nerve fiber sensation and hyperalgesia.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider selects a thermode capable of cooling the skin and a system for measuring and recording the patient’s sensory thresholds.
2. The provider applies the thermode to the patient’s skin in the extremity being tested.
3. The thermode cools the skin, and the patient responds to the temperature stimuli by pushing a button or providing a verbal response.
4. The system records and compares the patient’s sensory thresholds to age-matched normative data.
5. The provider interprets the results and uses them to assess small nerve fiber sensation and hyperalgesia.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 0108T are those who require quantitative sensory testing (QST) using cooling stimuli to assess small nerve fiber sensation and hyperalgesia. This procedure is typically performed to diagnose damage to small nerve endings in the extremities. The healthcare provider must use a thermode capable of cooling the skin and a system for measuring and recording the patient’s sensory thresholds.

5. When to use CPT code 0108T

CPT code 0108T should be used when a healthcare provider performs quantitative sensory testing (QST) using cooling stimuli to assess small nerve fiber sensation and hyperalgesia in a patient’s extremity. This code is appropriate for each extremity tested. It should not be used for other types of sensory testing or for testing multiple extremities simultaneously.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0108T, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis or reason for performing quantitative sensory testing (QST)
• Details of the cooling stimuli used, including the type of thermode and system
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Results of the sensory thresholds compared to age-matched normative data
• Interpretation of the results and assessment of small nerve fiber sensation and hyperalgesia
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0108T, ensure that the procedure is performed using cooling stimuli to assess small nerve fiber sensation and hyperalgesia in a patient’s extremity. Do not report CPT 0108T with other sensory testing codes. Consider using modifiers if necessary to indicate additional information about the procedure or circumstances.

8. Historical information

CPT 0108T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A neurologist performs quantitative sensory testing (QST) using cooling stimuli to assess small nerve fiber sensation and hyperalgesia in a patient’s lower extremity.
2. An orthopedic surgeon uses CPT 0108T to diagnose damage to small nerve endings in a patient’s hand by performing quantitative sensory testing (QST) with cooling stimuli.
3. A physical therapist utilizes CPT code 0108T to assess small nerve fiber sensation and hyperalgesia in a patient’s foot during a therapy session.
4. A pain management specialist performs quantitative sensory testing (QST) using cooling stimuli to evaluate small nerve fiber sensation and hyperalgesia in a patient’s upper extremity.
5. A podiatrist uses CPT 0108T to assess small nerve fiber sensation and hyperalgesia in a patient’s toes by performing quantitative sensory testing (QST) with cooling stimuli.
6. A neurosurgeon performs quantitative sensory testing (QST) using cooling stimuli to assess small nerve fiber sensation and hyperalgesia in a patient’s arm.
7. An occupational therapist utilizes CPT code 0108T to evaluate small nerve fiber sensation and hyperalgesia in a patient’s hand during a therapy session.
8. A rheumatologist performs quantitative sensory testing (QST) using cooling stimuli to assess small nerve fiber sensation and hyperalgesia in a patient’s leg.
9. A physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist uses CPT 0108T to diagnose damage to small nerve endings in a patient’s foot by performing quantitative sensory testing (QST) with cooling stimuli.
10. A neurologist performs quantitative sensory testing (QST) using cooling stimuli to assess small nerve fiber sensation and hyperalgesia in a patient’s arm and leg.