2025 CPT code 96132
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Medicine - Central Nervous System Assessments/Tests Feed
Neuropsychological testing evaluation services by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional, including integration of patient data, interpretation of standardized test results and clinical data, clinical decision making, treatment planning and report, and interactive feedback.
Modifier 25 can be appended to an E/M code if a significant, separately identifiable E/M service is provided on the same day as the neuropsychological testing and distinct from the testing.
Medical necessity must be established for neuropsychological testing. This may involve documenting cognitive or behavioral changes, suspected neurological conditions, or functional impairments impacting daily living.
The provider's responsibilities include explaining the testing process to the patient and their family, administering standardized neuropsychological tests (written or oral), interpreting results within the patient's clinical context, diagnosing cognitive impairments, formulating treatment plans, and providing feedback. This involves assessing various cognitive domains, such as memory, reasoning, language, visual-motor skills, problem-solving, attention, and learning abilities.
In simple words: The healthcare provider conducts a thorough assessment of cognitive and behavioral functions, using standardized tests to measure abilities like memory, reasoning, and problem-solving. The process involves reviewing patient information, interpreting test data, making diagnoses, creating treatment plans, and providing feedback to the patient and their family.
Neuropsychological testing evaluation services by physician or other qualified health care professional, including integration of patient data, interpretation of standardized test results and clinical data, clinical decision making, treatment planning and report, and interactive feedback to the patient, family member(s) or caregiver(s), when performed; first hour.
Example 1: A patient with a history of head trauma undergoes neuropsychological testing to assess cognitive deficits. The provider evaluates the results, integrates them with other clinical data, and develops a treatment plan to address the identified impairments., A child with suspected learning disabilities undergoes neuropsychological testing to evaluate cognitive strengths and weaknesses. The provider interprets the findings and provides recommendations for educational interventions., An older adult with memory concerns undergoes neuropsychological testing to assess for cognitive decline. The provider integrates test results with clinical data, diagnoses the cause of memory problems, and makes treatment recommendations.
Documentation should include patient history, reason for testing, specific tests administered, test results, interpretation of findings, diagnosis, treatment plan, and interactive feedback provided. Any relevant clinical data used in the evaluation should also be documented.
** If a single automated test is administered with an automated report, use code 96146. When a technician administers and scores the tests, use codes 96138 and 96139, and then a physician or qualified healthcare professional must perform the interpretation, decision making, and patient communication (96132, 96133).
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Neurology, Psychiatry, Psychology, Physiatry (Rehabilitation Medicine), Geriatrics, Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Skilled Nursing Facility