How To Use CPT Code 95939

CPT 95939 describes the procedure for a central motor evoked potential study in the upper and lower limbs. 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 95939?

CPT 95939 can be used to describe a diagnostic procedure that involves the study of waveforms recorded from the nerves or muscles of the arms and legs after stimulation of the brain through the skull using electromagnetic induction. This procedure is performed to diagnose conditions such as multiple sclerosis and as a prognostic indicator for stroke motor recovery.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 95939 is: ‘Central motor evoked potential study (transcranial motor stimulation); in upper and lower limbs.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider preps the patient appropriately for the procedure.
2. An electromagnetic stimulating coil is placed on the skull to stimulate the motor cortex of the brain.
3. Electrodes are placed over the hand or leg muscles.
4. The provider activates the coil and records the response from the brain.
5. The recorded waves are analyzed for diagnostic purposes.
6. A report is prepared based on the findings.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 95939 is performed for diagnostic purposes to determine the type of disease and its causes. It is used in the diagnosis of conditions such as multiple sclerosis and as a prognostic indicator for stroke motor recovery. The procedure involves the study of waveforms recorded from the nerves or muscles of the arms and legs after stimulation of the brain through the skull using electromagnetic induction.

5. When to use CPT code 95939

CPT code 95939 should be used when performing a central motor evoked potential study in the upper and lower limbs using transcranial motor stimulation. It is appropriate for diagnostic purposes in cases where the provider needs to assess the motor function of the brain and its connection to the limbs. This code should not be reported in conjunction with CPT codes 95928 and 95929.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 95939, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the central motor evoked potential study
• Details of the procedure, including the use of electromagnetic stimulating coil and electrode placement
• Date and time of the procedure
• Analysis of the recorded waves and diagnostic findings
• Preparation of a report based on the findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 95939, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified provider and includes the use of transcranial motor stimulation in the upper and lower limbs. 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 95939 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2012. There have been no updates to the code since its addition. Prior to the addition of CPT 95939, short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study was used for similar diagnostic purposes.

9. Examples

1. A neurologist performs a central motor evoked potential study in the upper and lower limbs of a patient with suspected multiple sclerosis.
2. A physical therapist conducts a central motor evoked potential study to assess the motor recovery of a stroke patient in the upper and lower limbs.
3. An orthopedic surgeon orders a central motor evoked potential study to evaluate the motor function of a patient’s limbs before a surgical procedure.
4. A rehabilitation specialist performs a central motor evoked potential study to assess the progress of a patient’s motor recovery after a traumatic brain injury.
5. A neurophysiologist conducts a central motor evoked potential study to evaluate the motor function of a patient’s limbs as part of a research study.
6. A neurosurgeon orders a central motor evoked potential study to assess the motor function of a patient’s limbs before planning a surgical intervention.
7. A physiatrist performs a central motor evoked potential study to evaluate the motor function of a patient’s limbs as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
8. A neurology resident conducts a central motor evoked potential study to gain experience in interpreting the recorded waveforms.
9. An occupational therapist orders a central motor evoked potential study to assess the motor function of a patient’s upper limbs for customized assistive device recommendations.
10. A neurologist performs a central motor evoked potential study to monitor the motor recovery of a patient with a spinal cord injury.