How To Use CPT Code 95930

CPT 95930 describes the procedure for visual evoked potential (VEP) testing, which measures the electrical activity of the brain in response to a visual stimulus. 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 95930?

CPT 95930 can be used to describe the procedure for visual evoked potential (VEP) testing. This test measures the electrical activity of the brain in response to a visual stimulus, such as an alternating checkerboard pattern on a computer screen. It is performed when a patient is experiencing changes in vision that may be due to problems along the pathways of certain nerves.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 95930 is: ‘Visual evoked potential (VEP) checkerboard or flash testing, central nervous system except glaucoma, with interpretation and report.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the VEP testing by placing electrodes on the occipital area, which is the back of the patient’s head where the brain receives and interprets visual signals.
2. The provider then presents a visual stimulus, such as an alternating checkerboard pattern on a computer screen, to the patient.
3. During the test, the provider measures the time taken by the visual stimulus to travel from the eye to the occipital cortex, which helps assess the functioning of the nerve pathways.
4. The provider interprets the data collected during the test and prepares a report.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 95930 is used for VEP testing of the central nervous system, excluding glaucoma. It is performed when a patient is experiencing changes in vision that may be related to nerve pathway problems. The test is typically performed by a provider who is trained in conducting and interpreting VEP testing.

5. When to use CPT code 95930

CPT code 95930 should be used when a provider performs visual evoked potential (VEP) testing to assess the electrical activity of the brain in response to a visual stimulus. It is important to note that this code is not used for VEP testing specifically for glaucoma. If the testing is for glaucoma, a different code, 0464T, should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 95930, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the VEP testing
• Details of the visual stimulus used
• Date and time of the testing
• Interpretation of the test results
• Preparation of a report

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 95930, it is important to ensure that the appropriate modifiers are used. If only the professional component is being reported, modifier 26 should be appended to the code. If only the technical component is being reported, modifier TC should be appended to the code. However, if the hospital provided the technical component, modifier TC should not be appended. It is also important to note that if the provider renders both the professional and technical components as part of a global service, no modifier should be appended to the code.

8. Historical information

CPT 95930 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1996. The code has undergone a change on January 1, 2018, with the description being updated to ‘Visual evoked potential (VEP) testing central nervous system, checkerboard or flash.’

9. Examples

1. A neurologist performing VEP testing to assess the functioning of a patient’s optic nerve.
2. An ophthalmologist conducting VEP testing to evaluate a patient’s visual pathway function.
3. A neurophysiologist using VEP testing to diagnose and monitor a patient with multiple sclerosis.
4. A pediatrician ordering VEP testing to assess a child’s visual development.
5. A neurosurgeon performing VEP testing as part of preoperative evaluation for a patient with a brain tumor.
6. An optometrist conducting VEP testing to evaluate a patient’s visual acuity.
7. A neurology researcher using VEP testing to study the effects of certain medications on the visual system.
8. A rehabilitation specialist using VEP testing to assess visual function in patients with traumatic brain injury.
9. An ophthalmic technician performing VEP testing to assist in the diagnosis of optic neuritis.
10. A neurology resident learning to perform VEP testing under the supervision of an attending physician.