CPT® Code 95966

Official Description

Magnetoencephalography (MEG), recording and analysis; for evoked magnetic fields, single modality (eg, sensory, motor, language, or visual cortex localization)

Common Language Description

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a sophisticated, noninvasive diagnostic technique utilized to assess and analyze abnormal brain function. This method is particularly valuable in the context of various neurological disorders and is often employed alongside other diagnostic studies, such as electroencephalograms (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to provide a comprehensive evaluation of brain health. MEG is instrumental in localizing epileptic foci, which are critical areas of the brain responsible for seizure activity, prior to surgical interventions. Additionally, it aids in identifying eloquent cortical areas—regions of the brain that control essential functions such as sensory perception, motor skills, language, and visual processing—before surgeries aimed at treating brain tumors or arteriovenous malformations. The technology behind MEG involves the use of a multichannel superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) biomagnetometer system, which is equipped with over 100 sensors strategically placed on the scalp. These sensors detect and measure the magnetic fields produced by neuronal activity within the brain. The recorded magnetic field data is meticulously mapped to pinpoint the locations of epileptic foci or eloquent cortical regions. This mapping process is further enhanced by overlaying the MEG data onto MRI images, allowing for precise localization of the areas of interest. Following the procedure, a physician reviews the MEG recordings and mappings, providing a detailed written interpretation of the findings, which is crucial for guiding subsequent treatment decisions.

1. Indications

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is indicated for the following conditions and purposes:

Localization of Epileptic Foci MEG is utilized to identify the specific areas of the brain that are responsible for seizure activity, which is essential for planning surgical interventions in patients with epilepsy.
Localization of Eloquent Cortical Areas The procedure is employed to map critical regions of the brain that control sensory, motor, language, or visual functions, aiding in surgical planning for brain tumors or arteriovenous malformations.

2. Procedure

The procedure for magnetoencephalography (MEG) involves several key steps to ensure accurate recording and analysis of brain activity:

Preparation of the Patient The patient is positioned comfortably, and the scalp is prepared for sensor placement. This may involve cleaning the scalp to ensure optimal sensor contact and minimize interference from external magnetic fields.
Placement of Sensors A multichannel superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) biomagnetometer system is utilized, which consists of over 100 sensors that are carefully positioned on the patient's scalp. These sensors are designed to detect the weak magnetic fields generated by neuronal activity in the brain.
Recording of Magnetic Fields The MEG system records the magnetic fields associated with brain activity during specific tasks or stimuli, which may include sensory, motor, language, or visual tasks. This data collection is crucial for identifying the functional areas of the brain.
Mapping and Analysis The recorded magnetic field data is processed and mapped to visualize the locations of brain activity. This mapping is then overlaid on MRI images of the brain to provide precise localization of the identified areas, such as epileptic foci or eloquent cortical regions.
Interpretation of Findings A physician reviews the MEG recordings and the corresponding mappings, providing a comprehensive written interpretation of the findings. This interpretation is essential for guiding further clinical decisions and treatment planning.

3. Post-Procedure

After the magnetoencephalography (MEG) procedure, patients may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate adverse effects. The physician will analyze the recorded data and provide a detailed report, which may take some time to prepare. Patients are typically advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results and any subsequent steps in their treatment plan. There are generally no specific recovery requirements, as MEG is a noninvasive procedure, and patients can usually resume their normal activities shortly after the test.

Short Descr	MEG EVOKED SINGLE
Medium Descr	MAGNETOENCEPHALOGRAPY EVOKED FIELDS 1 MODALITY
Long Descr	Magnetoencephalography (MEG), recording and analysis; for evoked magnetic fields, single modality (eg, sensory, motor, language, or visual cortex localization)
Status Code	Carriers Price the 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)	0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures 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)	4 - Diagnostic Radiology
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.

95967

Addon Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N Magnetoencephalography (MEG), recording and analysis; for evoked magnetic fields, each additional modality (eg, sensory, motor, language, or visual cortex localization) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

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.

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