How To Use CPT Code 95908

CPT 95908 describes the performance of three or four nerve conduction studies, which are diagnostic tests used to evaluate the function and electrical conduction ability of motor and sensory nerves in the body. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 95908, including its official description, the procedure involved, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and similar codes.

1. What is CPT Code 95908?

CPT 95908 is used to describe the performance of three or four nerve conduction studies by a healthcare provider. These studies are diagnostic tests that assess the speed of electrical impulses through peripheral nerves. The goal of these tests is to identify the location of nerve damage or destruction. During the procedure, the provider places electrodes on the nerves being tested and stimulates them with mild electrical impulses. The resulting electrical activity is recorded and analyzed to determine the conduction velocity, latency, and amplitude of the nerve.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 95908 is: ‘Nerve conduction studies; 3-4 studies.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the nerve conduction studies.
2. Electrodes are placed on the nerves to be tested.
3. The provider stimulates the nerves with mild electrical impulses and records the resulting electrical activity.
4. This process is repeated for each nerve being tested.
5. The recorded electrical activity is analyzed to determine conduction velocity, latency, and amplitude.
6. The provider performs three or four nerve conduction studies during the procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 95908 is performed on patients who require diagnostic nerve conduction studies. These studies are used to evaluate the function and conduction ability of motor and sensory nerves. The procedure is typically performed by a healthcare provider who specializes in neurology or electromyography. The patient may have symptoms or a medical condition that suggests nerve damage or dysfunction, such as peripheral neuropathy or carpal tunnel syndrome.

5. When to use CPT code 95908

CPT code 95908 should be used when a healthcare provider performs three or four nerve conduction studies on a patient. This code is appropriate when multiple nerves are tested during a single session. If only one or two nerve conduction studies are performed, a different CPT code should be used to accurately reflect the number of studies conducted.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 95908, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The reason for performing the nerve conduction studies
• The specific nerves tested
• The number of studies performed (three or four)
• The results of the studies, including conduction velocity, latency, and amplitude
• Any additional findings or observations
• The provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 95908, ensure that the provider has performed three or four nerve conduction studies. If the provider has performed fewer studies, a different CPT code should be used. It is important to append the appropriate modifier (26 or TC) to indicate whether the billing is for the professional or technical component of the service. If the provider performs both the professional and technical components, no modifier is necessary. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by insurance carriers or Medicare.

8. Historical information

CPT code 95908 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2013. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A neurologist performing three nerve conduction studies to evaluate a patient with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome.
2. An electromyographer conducting four nerve conduction studies to assess a patient with symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
3. A healthcare provider performing three nerve conduction studies on a patient with suspected ulnar nerve entrapment.
4. A neurologist conducting four nerve conduction studies to evaluate a patient with suspected radiculopathy.
5. An electromyographer performing three nerve conduction studies to assess a patient with symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
6. A healthcare provider conducting four nerve conduction studies on a patient with suspected sciatic nerve dysfunction.
7. A neurologist performing three nerve conduction studies to evaluate a patient with suspected brachial plexopathy.
8. An electromyographer conducting four nerve conduction studies to assess a patient with symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
9. A healthcare provider performing three nerve conduction studies on a patient with suspected peroneal nerve entrapment.
10. A neurologist conducting four nerve conduction studies to evaluate a patient with suspected polyneuropathy.