How To Use CPT Code 3720F

CPT 3720F describes the assessment of cognitive impairment or dysfunction in patients with Parkinson’s disease. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 3720F?

CPT 3720F can be used to describe the assessment of cognitive impairment or dysfunction in patients with Parkinson’s disease. This code is used when a provider performs tests to review and diagnose cognitive disorders in a patient, specifically related to their memory, thinking, language, and behavior.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 3720F is: ‘Cognitive impairment or dysfunction assessed (Prkns).’

3. Procedure

1. The provider initiates the diagnosis by taking a detailed history and performing a comprehensive examination to assess the patient for the presence of cognitive impairment or dysfunction.
2. If necessary, the provider may refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist for further evaluation of their symptoms.
3. The provider performs cognitive assessment tests to examine the patient’s memory, confusion, and any impairment in function.
4. Additional diagnostic tests, such as blood tests or imaging scans, may be ordered to rule out other factors contributing to cognitive impairment.
5. The provider documents the results of the diagnostic tests and the date of the assessment in the patient’s medical record for quality reporting purposes.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 3720F is used for patients with Parkinson’s disease who are experiencing cognitive impairment or dysfunction. This assessment is typically performed by a provider who specializes in mental health, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. The provider evaluates the patient’s symptoms and performs cognitive assessment tests to determine the extent of the impairment.

5. When to use CPT code 3720F

CPT code 3720F should be used when a provider assesses a patient with Parkinson’s disease for cognitive impairment or dysfunction. It is important to use this code when the assessment specifically focuses on evaluating the patient’s memory, thinking, language, and behavior. This code should not be used for general cognitive assessments unrelated to Parkinson’s disease.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 3720F, the provider must document the following information:

• Detailed history and examination findings related to cognitive impairment or dysfunction
• Results of cognitive assessment tests, including memory, confusion, and impairment in function
• Date of the assessment
• Any additional diagnostic tests ordered and their results
• Signature of the provider performing the assessment

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 3720F, ensure that the assessment is performed specifically for cognitive impairment or dysfunction related to Parkinson’s disease. This code should not be reported with other codes unless there are separate and distinct services provided. It is important to follow the specific guidelines set by the payer when reporting this code to ensure accurate reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 3720F was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A psychologist performing cognitive assessment tests to evaluate memory and thinking abilities in a patient with Parkinson’s disease.
2. A psychiatrist conducting a comprehensive examination to assess cognitive dysfunction in a patient with Parkinson’s disease.
3. A neurologist ordering blood tests and imaging scans to rule out other factors contributing to cognitive impairment in a patient with Parkinson’s disease.
4. A geriatrician documenting the results of cognitive assessment tests and the date of the assessment in a patient’s medical record for quality reporting purposes.
5. A neuropsychologist evaluating language and behavior changes in a patient with Parkinson’s disease to determine the presence of cognitive impairment.
6. A neurosurgeon referring a patient with Parkinson’s disease to a psychologist for further evaluation of their cognitive symptoms.
7. A primary care physician performing cognitive assessment tests to assess memory and thinking abilities in a patient with Parkinson’s disease.
8. A neurologist documenting the results of cognitive assessment tests and ordering additional diagnostic tests to further evaluate cognitive impairment in a patient with Parkinson’s disease.
9. A psychiatrist conducting a detailed history to assess cognitive dysfunction in a patient with Parkinson’s disease.
10. A psychologist performing cognitive assessment tests to evaluate impairment in function and confusion in a patient with Parkinson’s disease.