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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). MEG is instrumental in localizing epileptic foci prior to surgical interventions and identifying eloquent cortical areas in the brain before surgeries aimed at addressing brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations, or epilepsy. The procedure utilizes a multichannel superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) biomagnetometer system, which is equipped with over 100 sensors strategically placed on the scalp. These sensors are designed to detect and measure the magnetic fields produced by neuronal activity within the brain. The data collected from these magnetic field recordings are then meticulously mapped to pinpoint the locations of epileptic foci or eloquent cortical regions. Furthermore, the MEG mapping results are integrated with separately reportable MRI studies, allowing for precise localization of the identified brain areas. Following the procedure, a physician reviews the MEG recordings and mapping results, subsequently providing a comprehensive written interpretation of the findings. For accurate coding, it is essential to use CPT® code 95965 for MEG recording and analysis related to spontaneous brain magnetic activity, such as the localization of the epileptic cerebral cortex. Additionally, CPT® code 95966 is designated for single modality evoked magnetic fields aimed at localizing eloquent cortical areas of the brain. CPT® code 95967 is specifically utilized in conjunction with 95966 to account for each additional modality for evoked magnetic fields, which may include sensory, motor, language, or visual cortex localization.
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The indications for performing magnetoencephalography (MEG) include the following:
The procedure for magnetoencephalography (MEG) involves several key steps that ensure accurate recording and analysis of brain activity:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing magnetoencephalography (MEG) typically involves monitoring the patient for any immediate effects following the procedure. Since MEG is a noninvasive technique, patients generally do not require extensive recovery time and can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure. However, it is important for the physician to discuss the findings with the patient and outline any necessary follow-up actions or additional diagnostic studies that may be required based on the MEG results. The written interpretation provided by the physician will guide further management and treatment options for the patient.
| Short Descr | MEG EVOKED EACH ADDL | Medium Descr | MAGNETOENCEPHALOGRAPY EVOKED FIELDS EACH ADDL | Long Descr | 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) | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service | 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 | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T2D - Other tests - other | MUE | 3 | CCS Clinical Classification | 7 - Other diagnostic nervous system procedures |
This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.
| 95966 | MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC S Magnetoencephalography (MEG), recording and analysis; for evoked magnetic fields, single modality (eg, sensory, motor, language, or visual cortex localization) |
| 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. | 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. | 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. | 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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| 2021-01-01 | Note | Guidelines changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Medium description changed. Short description changed. |
| 2002-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2002. |
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