How To Use CPT Code 95829

CPT 95829 describes the procedure for an electrocorticogram (ECoG) performed during surgery to monitor the brain’s electrical activity. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 95829?

CPT 95829 can be used to describe the procedure of obtaining an electrocorticogram (ECoG) during surgery. This involves placing electrodes on the surface of the patient’s brain to record the brain’s electrical activity. The ECoG is then analyzed by a provider, such as a surgeon or neurologist, to assess the brain’s function.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 95829 is: ‘Electrocorticogram at surgery (separate procedure).’ This code is used to report the interpretation and report of the ECoG performed during brain surgery.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is prepared and draped for surgery, and anesthesia is administered.
2. The surgeon makes an incision into the skull (craniotomy) to expose the surface of the brain.
3. The surgeon surgically implants electrodes onto the cerebral cortex, guided by pre-procedure electroencephalogram (EEG) results and possibly radiography.
4. The electrodes record the brain’s electrical activity during the surgery.
5. The provider analyzes the ECoG, assessing cortical potentials and brain waves.
6. A report is prepared based on the analysis of the ECoG.
7. The electrodes are removed, and the skull is closed with sutures or surgical staples.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 95829 is used when an ECoG is performed during surgery to monitor the brain’s electrical activity. The procedure is typically performed by a surgeon or neurologist. The electrodes are placed on the cerebral cortex, either outside of or under the dura mater. The ECoG helps assess the brain’s function during the surgical procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 95829

CPT code 95829 should be used when an ECoG is performed during surgery to monitor the brain’s electrical activity. It is important to note that this code is for the interpretation and report of the ECoG, in addition to the code for the brain surgery itself.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 95829, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the ECoG during surgery
• Details of the surgical procedure
• Placement of the electrodes on the cerebral cortex
• Analysis of the ECoG, including cortical potentials and brain waves
• Preparation of a report based on the ECoG analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 95829, it is important to append the appropriate modifiers if reporting only the professional or technical component of the service. Modifier 26 should be appended for the professional component, and modifier TC should be appended for the technical component. However, if the hospital provided the technical component, modifier TC should not be appended. It is also important to follow any specific guidelines provided by payers regarding the reporting of CPT 95829.

8. Historical information

CPT 95829 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 surgeon performing an ECoG during brain surgery to monitor the electrical activity and assess the brain’s function.
2. A neurologist analyzing an ECoG performed during brain surgery and preparing a report on the findings.
3. A patient undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor, with an ECoG performed to monitor the brain’s electrical activity during the procedure.
4. A provider using an ECoG to guide the placement of deep brain stimulation electrodes during surgery for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
5. A surgeon performing an ECoG during epilepsy surgery to identify the epileptic focus and guide the resection of brain tissue.
6. A neurologist analyzing an ECoG performed during a craniotomy for the treatment of a cerebral aneurysm.
7. A patient undergoing brain surgery for the treatment of a vascular malformation, with an ECoG performed to monitor the brain’s electrical activity during the procedure.
8. A provider using an ECoG to assess the brain’s function during surgery for the placement of a responsive neurostimulation device for the treatment of epilepsy.
9. A surgeon performing an ECoG during a hemispherectomy procedure to treat severe epilepsy.
10. A neurologist analyzing an ECoG performed during brain surgery to assess the brain’s function and guide the surgical approach.