How To Use CPT Code 95925

CPT 95925 describes the procedure for a short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study, specifically focusing on the stimulation of peripheral nerves or skin sites in the upper limbs. 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 95925?

CPT 95925 is used to describe a specific procedure known as a short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study. This study involves the stimulation of peripheral nerves or skin sites in the upper limbs to elicit an electrophysiological response in the somatosensory pathways. The resulting evoked potential study is then recorded from the central nervous system.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 95925 is: ‘Short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study, stimulation of any/all peripheral nerves or skin sites, recording from the central nervous system; in upper limbs.’ It is important to note that CPT code 95925 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 95926.

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the provider begins by applying brief electrical stimuli over the peripheral nerves in the upper limbs.
2. The provider then stimulates the median nerve at the wrist joint.
3. Next, the resulting evoked potential is recorded from electrodes placed over the spine and the scalp.
4. The recorded evoked potentials are further processed by a computer, which converts them into waveforms.
5. The provider analyzes these waveforms, which provide information about the nerve being stimulated, the recording sites, peak latencies, interpeak interval, and amplitude of significant components.
6. The goal of this study is to evaluate the somatosensory function from the site of stimulation to the cerebral cortex, helping to identify any lesions in the peripheral nerve, spinal cord, or higher brain centers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 95925 is typically performed on patients who require an evaluation of their somatosensory pathways. This procedure is used to assess the function of the peripheral nerves, spinal cord, and higher brain centers. It is important to note that CPT code 95925 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 95926.

5. When to use CPT code 95925

CPT code 95925 should be used when a provider performs a short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study specifically focused on the stimulation of peripheral nerves or skin sites in the upper limbs. It is important to note that CPT code 95925 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 95926.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 95925, the provider must document the following information:

• The specific reason for performing the short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study
• The details of the stimulation sites and the recording sites
• The date and duration of the procedure
• The analysis of the recorded evoked potentials, including peak latencies, interpeak interval, and amplitude of significant components
• The provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 95925, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed on the upper limbs and does not involve the lower limbs. Additionally, CPT code 95925 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 95926. If reporting only the professional component, append modifier 26 to the code. If reporting only the technical component, append modifier TC to the code. However, if the hospital provided the technical component, do not append modifier TC. It is also important to note that CPT code 95925 should not be reported with other codes unless specified by specific coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT code 95925 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 performs a short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study on a patient with suspected peripheral nerve damage in their upper limbs.
2. A physical therapist conducts a short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study to assess the somatosensory function of a patient recovering from a spinal cord injury.
3. An orthopedic surgeon utilizes a short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study to evaluate the integrity of the somatosensory pathways in a patient with chronic pain in their upper limbs.
4. A neurosurgeon performs a short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study to assess the function of the somatosensory pathways during a surgical procedure on a patient’s upper limbs.
5. A rehabilitation specialist conducts a short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study to monitor the progress of a patient with a traumatic brain injury in their upper limbs.
6. A neurophysiologist performs a short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study to evaluate the somatosensory function in a patient with suspected multiple sclerosis affecting their upper limbs.
7. A pediatrician utilizes a short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study to assess the somatosensory pathways in a child with developmental delays in their upper limbs.
8. An occupational therapist conducts a short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study to evaluate the somatosensory function in a patient with a hand injury affecting their upper limbs.
9. A neurologist performs a short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study to assess the somatosensory pathways in a patient with suspected nerve compression in their upper limbs.