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Short-latency somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) studies are diagnostic procedures that assess the functionality of the somatosensory pathways in the central nervous system by measuring the electrical signals generated in response to sensory stimuli. These signals are produced by afferent peripheral nerve fibers when they are stimulated. The short-latency SEPs specifically refer to the initial portion of the SEP waveform that occurs shortly after the stimulus is applied, with the latency time varying based on the specific nerve being tested. For instance, when testing upper extremity nerves, the short-latency SEPs are identified within 25 milliseconds of stimulation, while for the tibial nerve in the lower limbs, this latency extends to 50 milliseconds. Abnormal results from these tests can indicate dysfunction within the somatosensory pathways, which may be indicative of various neurological conditions. The procedure involves placing electrodes on the skin over the targeted peripheral nerve, with additional electrodes positioned on the scalp, spine, and proximal to the stimulation site to accurately record the SEP waveforms. The use of monophasic rectangular pulses delivered through a stimulator elicits muscle twitches and generates the SEP waveforms that are subsequently analyzed by the physician, who then compiles a written report detailing the findings. This procedure is essential for diagnosing conditions affecting sensory nerve function and is specifically coded as CPT® Code 95926 when performed on the lower limbs.
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Short-latency somatosensory evoked potential studies are indicated for the evaluation of various neurological conditions that may affect sensory nerve function. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:
The procedure for conducting a short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement and recording of the electrical signals generated by peripheral nerves. The following procedural steps are typically followed:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing a short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study is generally minimal. Patients may resume normal activities immediately following the procedure, as there are typically no significant side effects or recovery time required. However, it is advisable for patients to discuss any unusual symptoms or concerns with their healthcare provider. The physician will provide the patient with the results of the study during a follow-up appointment, where further evaluation or treatment options may be discussed based on the findings.
| Short Descr | SOMATOSENSORY TESTING | Medium Descr | SHORT-LATENCY SOMATOSENS EP STD LWR LIMBS | Long Descr | Short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study, stimulation of any/all peripheral nerves or skin sites, recording from the central nervous system; in lower limbs | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 2 - 150% payment adjustment does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | 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) | T2D - Other tests - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 7 - Other diagnostic nervous system procedures |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 95940 | Addon Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring in the operating room, one on one monitoring requiring personal attendance, each 15 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 95941 | Addon Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Not valid for Medicare purposes APC N Continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring, from outside the operating room (remote or nearby) or for monitoring of more than one case while in the operating room, per hour (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | G0453 | Add-on Code Medicare Coverage: Carrier Priced MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring, from outside the operating room (remote or nearby), per patient, (attention directed exclusively to one patient) each 15 minutes (list in addition to primary procedure) |
| 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. | 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | 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). | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | Q5 | Service furnished under a reciprocal billing arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area | SA | Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician | 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 | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 1996-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1996. |
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