How To Use CPT Code 96146

CPT 96146 describes the administration of a single, standardized psychological or neuropsychological test using an electronic platform, with automated result only. 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 96146?

CPT 96146 can be used to describe the administration of a single, standardized psychological or neuropsychological test using an electronic platform. This code is specifically used when the test is scored automatically upon completion. It is important to note that if the test is administered by a physician, other qualified healthcare professional, or technician, CPT 96146 should not be reported. Instead, other relevant codes such as 96127, 96136, 96137, 96138, or 96139 should be used.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 96146 is: ‘Psychological or neuropsychological test administration, with single automated, standardized instrument via electronic platform, with automated result only.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare professional explains the test to the patient, parent, and/or guardian, addressing any questions or concerns they may have.
2. Instructions for taking the test on a computer or other electronic platform are provided to the patient.
3. The patient completes a single, standardized psychological or neuropsychological test using the electronic platform.
4. Upon completion, the test is automatically scored by the electronic platform.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 96146 is applicable when a patient undergoes a psychological or neuropsychological test that is administered using an electronic platform. The test must be standardized and automated, with the result being generated automatically by the platform. It is important to note that this code should not be reported if the test is administered by a physician, other qualified healthcare professional, or technician.

5. When to use CPT code 96146

CPT code 96146 should be used when a patient undergoes a single, standardized psychological or neuropsychological test that is administered using an electronic platform. This code is specifically for cases where the test result is generated automatically by the platform. It is important to ensure that the test is not administered by a physician, other qualified healthcare professional, or technician, as this would require the use of different codes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 96146, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s demographic information
• Specific test administered
• Date and time of the test
• Explanation of the test to the patient, parent, and/or guardian
• Instructions provided for taking the test on the electronic platform
• Confirmation that the patient completed the test
• Automated result generated by the electronic platform

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 96146, it is important to ensure that the test is administered using an electronic platform and that the result is generated automatically. This code should not be reported if the test is administered by a physician, other qualified healthcare professional, or technician. It is also important to review the guidelines and notes provided for any additional instructions or considerations when reporting this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 96146 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2019. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A psychologist administers a single, standardized psychological test using an electronic platform, with the result being automatically generated upon completion.
2. A neuropsychologist administers a single, standardized neuropsychological test using an electronic platform, with the result being automatically generated upon completion.
3. A clinical psychologist administers a single, standardized psychological test to a child using an electronic platform, with the result being automatically generated upon completion.
4. A school psychologist administers a single, standardized psychological test to a student using an electronic platform, with the result being automatically generated upon completion.
5. A licensed mental health counselor administers a single, standardized psychological test to an adult using an electronic platform, with the result being automatically generated upon completion.
6. A clinical social worker administers a single, standardized psychological test to a patient using an electronic platform, with the result being automatically generated upon completion.
7. A certified behavioral analyst administers a single, standardized psychological test to a child with autism using an electronic platform, with the result being automatically generated upon completion.
8. A psychiatric nurse practitioner administers a single, standardized psychological test to a patient using an electronic platform, with the result being automatically generated upon completion.
9. A developmental psychologist administers a single, standardized psychological test to an infant using an electronic platform, with the result being automatically generated upon completion.
10. A geriatric psychologist administers a single, standardized psychological test to an elderly patient using an electronic platform, with the result being automatically generated upon completion.