How To Use CPT Code 95955

CPT 95955 describes the use of electroencephalographic monitoring during nonintracranial surgery, such as cardiac surgery or carotid stenting. 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 95955?

CPT 95955 can be used to describe the use of electroencephalographic monitoring during nonintracranial surgery. This code is used when the provider utilizes electrodes placed on the scalp to measure the electrical activity of the brain during surgery performed on structures excluding the brain. The purpose of this monitoring is to assess the impact of anesthesia medication on the brain and ensure adequate blood perfusion to the brain during the surgical procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 95955 is: ‘Electroencephalogram (EEG) during nonintracranial surgery (eg, carotid surgery).’ This code represents the use of EEG monitoring during surgical procedures that do not involve the brain.

3. Procedure

1. During nonintracranial surgery, the provider places electrodes on the patient’s scalp to measure the electrical activity of the brain.
2. The provider continuously monitors the EEG readings throughout the surgical procedure.
3. The EEG monitoring helps the provider assess the impact of anesthesia medication on the brain and ensures that adequate blood perfusion is maintained in the brain during surgery.
4. The provider may make adjustments to anesthesia or other interventions based on the EEG readings to optimize patient safety and outcomes.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 95955 is used when the provider performs EEG monitoring during nonintracranial surgery. This code is applicable to surgeries such as cardiac surgery or carotid stenting, where it is necessary to monitor the electrical activity of the brain. The purpose of the monitoring is to assess the impact of anesthesia medication on the brain and ensure adequate blood perfusion to the brain during the surgical procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 95955

CPT code 95955 should be used when the provider utilizes EEG monitoring during nonintracranial surgery. This code is appropriate when the surgery involves structures other than the brain and the provider needs to monitor the electrical activity of the brain to ensure patient safety and optimize surgical outcomes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 95955, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for EEG monitoring during the nonintracranial surgery
• Date and duration of the EEG monitoring
• Specific surgical procedure performed
• EEG readings and any interventions made based on the readings
• Signature of the provider performing the EEG monitoring

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 95955, ensure that the EEG monitoring is performed during nonintracranial surgery. 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 a professional or technical modifier when reporting a global service where one provider renders both components.

8. Historical information

CPT 95955 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 cardiac surgeon utilizing EEG monitoring during a coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
2. A vascular surgeon performing carotid endarterectomy while monitoring the patient’s brain activity using EEG.
3. An interventional radiologist using EEG monitoring during a carotid stenting procedure.
4. A thoracic surgeon utilizing EEG monitoring during a lung resection surgery.
5. An orthopedic surgeon performing spinal fusion surgery while monitoring the patient’s brain activity using EEG.
6. A general surgeon using EEG monitoring during an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
7. A plastic surgeon performing reconstructive surgery while monitoring the patient’s brain activity using EEG.
8. A urologist utilizing EEG monitoring during a nephrectomy procedure.
9. A gynecologist performing a hysterectomy while monitoring the patient’s brain activity using EEG.
10. An otolaryngologist using EEG monitoring during a sinus surgery.