How To Use CPT Code 95940

CPT 95940 describes the continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring in the operating room, which requires personal attendance by a qualified healthcare provider. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 95940?

CPT 95940 can be used to describe the continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring performed by a qualified healthcare provider in the operating room. This monitoring involves the use of various methodologies, such as EEG, EMG, evoked potentials, or nerve conduction studies, to ensure the proper functioning of the patient’s nervous system during brain surgery. The code represents each 15 minutes of monitoring.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 95940 is: ‘Continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring in the operating room, one on one monitoring requiring personal attendance, each 15 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with the primary procedure code for the type of neurophysiology test performed.

3. Procedure

1. During the same session as a separately reportable brain surgery, a qualified healthcare provider conducts continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring in the operating room.
2. The provider uses methodologies such as EEG, EMG, evoked potentials, or nerve conduction studies to monitor the functioning of the patient’s nerves, spinal cord, and parts of the brain.
3. This monitoring requires the personal attendance of the provider throughout the surgery to ensure the proper functioning of the patient’s nervous system.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 95940 is used when a qualified healthcare provider performs continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring in the operating room during the same session as a separately reportable brain surgery. The monitoring is necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the patient’s nervous system during the surgery.

5. When to use CPT code 95940

CPT code 95940 should be used when a qualified healthcare provider performs continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring in the operating room during the same session as a separately reportable brain surgery. It should not be reported without an appropriate primary code for the type of neurophysiology test performed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 95940, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The type of neurophysiology test performed
• Date and duration of the monitoring session
• Details of the monitoring methodologies used
• Any significant findings or observations during the monitoring
• Signature of the qualified healthcare provider performing the monitoring

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 95940, ensure that the monitoring is performed by a qualified healthcare provider and that it is conducted in the operating room during the same session as a separately reportable brain surgery. This code should be listed separately in addition to the primary procedure code for the neurophysiology test performed. It is important to note that payers will not reimburse for CPT 95940 if it is reported without an appropriate primary code.

8. Historical information

CPT 95940 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2013. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A qualified healthcare provider performs continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring using EEG during a brain surgery.
2. During a separate brain surgery, a provider conducts continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring using EMG to ensure the proper functioning of the patient’s nerves and muscles.
3. Evoked potentials studies are performed by a qualified healthcare provider to monitor the patient’s nervous system during a brain surgery.
4. A provider uses nerve conduction studies to continuously monitor the patient’s nerve signals during a brain surgery.
5. Continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring is conducted using a combination of EEG, EMG, and evoked potentials studies to ensure the proper functioning of the patient’s nervous system during a brain surgery.