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Official Description

Electroencephalogram (EEG) continuous recording, with video when performed, setup, patient education, and takedown when performed, administered in person by EEG technologist, minimum of 8 channels

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 95700 refers to a continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) recording, which is a diagnostic procedure used to monitor and record the electrical activity of the brain over an extended period. This procedure is particularly valuable in capturing brain wave patterns that may indicate various neurological conditions. The recording is performed continuously for a minimum duration of 2 hours, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of brain activity. When indicated, video monitoring (referred to as video EEG or VEEG) may also be included to provide visual context to the electrical signals being recorded. This combination of EEG and video is essential for accurately diagnosing seizure disorders, determining the specific type and location of seizures, and evaluating the effectiveness of ongoing treatments. The setup for the EEG involves the application of a minimum of 8 electrodes to the patient's scalp, which are secured using a conductive paste. The placement of these electrodes is critical, as it allows for the capture of brain activity from various regions. In certain cases, particularly with older children or adults, more than 15 channels may be utilized to enhance the detail of the recordings. The EEG technician plays a vital role in this process, as they are responsible for the setup, patient education regarding the procedure, and the takedown of the equipment after the recording is complete. The technician ensures that the patient is comfortable and understands the importance of remaining still and keeping their eyes closed during the recording to obtain accurate results. The electrical signals from the brain are then converted into visual representations, typically displayed as wavy lines on a monitor, which can be analyzed by healthcare professionals to identify any abnormalities in brain function.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) recording, as described by CPT® Code 95700, is indicated for several specific clinical scenarios. These include:

  • Diagnosis of Seizure Disorders - The procedure is performed to identify the specific type and location of seizures, which is crucial for appropriate treatment planning.
  • Monitoring Treatment - It is used to assess the effectiveness of current treatment regimens for epilepsy or other seizure disorders.
  • Distinguishing Seizure Disorders from Other Abnormalities - The EEG helps differentiate seizure disorders from other neurological conditions that may present with similar symptoms.
  • Surgical Evaluation - Extended EEG services may be conducted to determine if a patient’s epilepsy is amenable to surgical intervention.
  • Screening for Neurological Changes - In seriously ill patients, the procedure may be utilized to detect new or adverse neurological changes that require further investigation.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting a continuous EEG recording involves several critical steps, which are outlined as follows:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation The EEG technician begins by preparing the patient for the procedure. This includes explaining the process, addressing any questions or concerns, and ensuring the patient is comfortable. The technician may also provide instructions on how to remain still and keep their eyes closed during the recording to ensure accurate results.
  • Step 2: Electrode Application A minimum of 8 electrodes are applied to the patient's scalp using a sticky conductive paste. The placement of these electrodes is strategically determined to capture brain activity from various regions of the brain. In some cases, more than 15 channels may be used, particularly for older children or adults, to enhance the detail of the recordings.
  • Step 3: Connection to Recording Equipment The electrodes are connected via wires to an amplifier and recording machine. This setup is essential for converting the electrical signals generated by the brain into a format that can be recorded and analyzed.
  • Step 4: Activation of Recording Once the electrodes are securely in place and connected, the technician activates the recording machine. The recording period begins, and the machine captures the brain's electrical activity continuously for a minimum of 2 hours.
  • Step 5: Monitoring During Recording Throughout the recording period, the technician monitors the patient to ensure they remain still and comfortable. The technician may also observe the recorded data in real-time to identify any immediate concerns.
  • Step 6: Takedown of Equipment After the recording period is complete, the technician carefully removes the electrodes from the patient's scalp and cleans any residual paste. The recording equipment is then taken down, and the data is prepared for analysis by healthcare professionals.

3. Post-Procedure

After the continuous EEG recording is completed, the patient may be monitored for a short period to ensure they are stable before being discharged. The technician will provide any necessary post-procedure instructions, which may include information on how to care for the scalp where the electrodes were applied. The recorded data will be analyzed by a neurologist or other qualified healthcare professional to interpret the findings and determine the next steps in the patient's care plan. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results and any potential treatment options based on the EEG findings.

Short Descr EEG CONT REC W/VID EEG TECH
Medium Descr EEG CONT REC W/VIDEO BY TECH MIN 8 CHANNELS
Long Descr Electroencephalogram (EEG) continuous recording, with video when performed, setup, patient education, and takedown when performed, administered in person by EEG technologist, minimum of 8 channels
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 01 - Procedure must be performed under the general supervision of a physician.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE 1
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GP Services delivered under an outpatient physical therapy plan of care
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
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2020-01-01 Added Code added.
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