CPT® Code 95705

Official Description

Electroencephalogram (EEG), without video, review of data, technical description by EEG technologist, 2-12 hours; unmonitored

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 95705 refers to an electroencephalogram (EEG) procedure that is performed without video monitoring. This specific code is utilized for a review of EEG data conducted by an EEG technologist over a duration of 2 to 12 hours, during which the patient is unmonitored. The primary purpose of this long-term EEG is to continuously record brain wave activity, allowing for the capture of critical data that can assist in diagnosing various neurological conditions. The recording period begins when the actual EEG recording starts and continues for the entire duration of the recording session. This extended EEG service is particularly valuable in identifying the type and location of seizures, monitoring the effectiveness of current treatments, and distinguishing between seizure disorders and other neurological abnormalities. Additionally, it can help determine the potential for surgical intervention in cases of epilepsy. In critically ill patients, long-term EEGs may also be employed to detect new adverse neurological changes. The technical aspects of this procedure include the EEG technologist's responsibilities, which encompass uploading the data generated by the EEG equipment, reviewing the raw data, annotating and editing recognized events—both those generated by the patient and those detected by the machine—and archiving the reviewed data for further analysis by a physician or qualified personnel. A written report is also produced, documenting the technologist's review of the data and any technical interventions that were performed during the procedure. For unmonitored technician services, the appropriate code to report is 95705 for sessions lasting between 2 to 12 hours.

1. Indications

The electroencephalogram (EEG) procedure represented by CPT® Code 95705 is indicated for several specific clinical scenarios. These include:

Seizure Diagnosis The procedure is performed to diagnose the specific type and location of seizures, which is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan.
Monitoring Treatment It is used to monitor the effectiveness of current treatment regimens for seizure disorders, allowing for adjustments as necessary.
Distinguishing Disorders The EEG helps differentiate between seizure disorders and other neurological abnormalities, aiding in accurate diagnosis.
Surgical Evaluation It assists in evaluating whether a patient’s epilepsy may be amenable to surgical treatment.
Neurological Screening In seriously ill patients, the EEG can be utilized to screen for new, adverse neurological changes that may require immediate attention.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting an EEG under CPT® Code 95705 involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

Preparation of the Patient The patient is prepared for the EEG by ensuring that the scalp is clean and free of any oils or hair products that could interfere with electrode placement. Electrodes are then applied to the scalp in specific locations according to the international 10-20 system, which standardizes electrode placement for EEG recordings.
Initiation of Recording Once the electrodes are securely placed, the EEG technician initiates the recording process. The actual recording time begins at this point, and it continues for a duration of 2 to 12 hours, capturing continuous brain wave activity.
Data Collection During the recording period, the EEG technologist monitors the data being collected by the EEG equipment. This includes capturing both patient-generated events (such as seizures) and machine-detected anomalies. The technician ensures that the equipment is functioning correctly and that the data is being recorded accurately.
Data Review and Annotation After the recording session, the technologist reviews the raw EEG data. This involves annotating significant events, editing the data for clarity, and identifying any abnormalities that may be present. The technologist is responsible for ensuring that the data is comprehensive and accurately reflects the patient's brain activity during the recording.
Data Archiving The reviewed data is then stored or archived for further analysis by a physician or other qualified personnel. This step is crucial for ensuring that the data can be accessed for future reference and evaluation.
Report Generation Finally, the EEG technologist prepares a written report documenting the review of the data, including any technical interventions that were performed during the procedure. This report is essential for the physician's interpretation and subsequent clinical decision-making.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the EEG procedure coded under CPT® 95705, the patient may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate adverse effects from the procedure. The technologist will provide the patient with any necessary post-procedure instructions, which may include information on how to care for the electrode sites on the scalp. The patient may resume normal activities unless otherwise directed by their healthcare provider. The written report generated by the technologist will be reviewed by a physician, who will interpret the findings and discuss the results with the patient, including any potential next steps in diagnosis or treatment based on the EEG data.

Short Descr	EEG W/O VID 2-12 HR UNMNTR
Medium Descr	EEG W/O VIDEO BY TECH 2-12 HR UNMONITORED
Long Descr	Electroencephalogram (EEG), without video, review of data, technical description by EEG technologist, 2-12 hours; unmonitored
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

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).

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.