How To Use CPT Code 95965

CPT 95965 describes the recording and analysis of spontaneous brain magnetic activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG). 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 95965?

CPT 95965 can be used to describe the recording and analysis of spontaneous brain magnetic activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG). This neuroimaging technique measures the electromagnetic activity of the brain and provides insight into cognitive brain processes, localization of pathological areas before surgery, and determining the functions of different parts of the brain. The provider performs this test in a shielded room using superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) to measure the magnetic fields produced within the brain.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 95965 is: ‘Magnetoencephalography (MEG), recording and analysis; for spontaneous brain magnetic activity (eg, epileptic cerebral cortex localization)’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs magnetoencephalography (MEG) to record the patient’s spontaneous brain magnetic activity.
2. The provider analyzes the recorded data to gain insights into the functioning of the brain, localize epileptic cerebral cortex, or study cognitive brain processes.
3. The MEG test is conducted in a shielded room using superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) to measure the magnetic fields produced within the brain.
4. The provider may use this test to determine the functions of various parts of the brain or to identify the epileptogenic tissue before surgery.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 95965 is used when the provider records and analyzes the spontaneous brain magnetic activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG). This test is particularly helpful in epilepsy cases to localize the seizure-inducing tissue in the brain before surgery. The provider must perform the test in a shielded room using superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) to measure the magnetic fields.

5. When to use CPT code 95965

CPT code 95965 should be used when the provider performs the recording and analysis of spontaneous brain magnetic activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG). This code is appropriate for cases where the provider needs to study cognitive brain processes, localize epileptic cerebral cortex, or determine the functions of different parts of the brain. It is important to note that CPT code 95965 should not be reported with other codes for the same service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 95965, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the MEG test
• Date and duration of the test
• Analysis of the recorded data and findings
• Any additional relevant information related to the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 95965, ensure that the provider has performed the recording and analysis of spontaneous brain magnetic activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG). It is important to use the appropriate CPT code for the professional or technical component, depending on the circumstances. 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 95965 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2002. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A neurologist performing magnetoencephalography (MEG) to record and analyze the spontaneous brain magnetic activity of a patient with epilepsy.
2. A neurosurgeon using magnetoencephalography (MEG) to localize the epileptogenic tissue in the brain before performing surgery on a patient with epilepsy.
3. A cognitive neuroscientist conducting magnetoencephalography (MEG) to study the cognitive brain processes of a research participant.
4. A neurologist analyzing the recorded data from magnetoencephalography (MEG) to determine the functions of different parts of a patient’s brain.
5. A neurosurgeon using magnetoencephalography (MEG) to identify the pathological area of the brain before performing surgery on a patient with a brain tumor.
6. A researcher recording and analyzing the spontaneous brain magnetic activity of a participant using magnetoencephalography (MEG) to study cognitive brain processes.
7. A neurologist performing magnetoencephalography (MEG) to localize the epileptic cerebral cortex in a patient with epilepsy.