How To Use CPT Code 95824

CPT 95824 describes the procedure for an electroencephalogram (EEG) used specifically for cerebral death evaluation. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 95824?

CPT 95824 can be used to describe the procedure for an electroencephalogram (EEG) performed to evaluate cerebral death. This code is used when the provider attaches small electrodes to the patient’s scalp to measure the electrical activity of the brain and confirm the absence of brain waves, indicating complete and irreversible loss of all brain functions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 95824 is: ‘Electroencephalogram (EEG); cerebral death evaluation only.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider attaches small electrodes to the patient’s scalp.
2. The electrodes measure the electrical activity of the brain.
3. The provider performs the EEG to evaluate cerebral death.
4. The EEG reading of a brain death patient is flat, indicating the absence of brain waves.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 95824 is used when the provider performs an EEG specifically for cerebral death evaluation. This procedure is performed to confirm the complete and irreversible loss of all brain functions. It is important to note that this code is not used for long-term EEG monitoring, EEG during nonintracranial surgery, or the Wada test.

5. When to use CPT code 95824

CPT code 95824 should be used when the provider performs an EEG solely for the purpose of evaluating cerebral death. It should not be used for other EEG procedures, such as long-term monitoring or during nonintracranial surgery. This code is specific to the evaluation of cerebral death.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 95824, the provider must document the following information:

• Confirmation of the purpose of the EEG as cerebral death evaluation
• Date and time of the procedure
• Results of the EEG indicating the absence of brain waves
• Signature of the provider performing the EEG

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 95824, ensure that the procedure is performed solely for cerebral death evaluation. This code should not be reported with other EEG procedures or tests. If reporting only the professional component, append modifier 26 to the code. If reporting only the technical component, append modifier TC to the code, unless the hospital provided the technical component. Do not append modifiers when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both the professional and technical components.

8. Historical information

CPT 95824 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A neurologist performing an EEG to evaluate cerebral death in a patient who has suffered severe brain trauma.
2. An intensivist conducting an EEG to confirm cerebral death in a patient with a terminal illness.
3. A neurosurgeon performing an EEG to evaluate cerebral death in a patient with a traumatic brain injury.
4. An emergency room physician conducting an EEG to confirm cerebral death in a patient who experienced cardiac arrest.
5. A critical care nurse assisting in an EEG to evaluate cerebral death in a patient with a severe stroke.
6. A neurology resident performing an EEG to confirm cerebral death in a patient with a brain tumor.
7. A forensic pathologist conducting an EEG to evaluate cerebral death in a deceased individual.
8. A neurophysiologist performing an EEG to confirm cerebral death in a patient with a severe neurological disorder.
9. A neurology fellow assisting in an EEG to evaluate cerebral death in a patient with a brain aneurysm.
10. A neurocritical care specialist conducting an EEG to confirm cerebral death in a patient with a ruptured arteriovenous malformation.