What is Intraoperative Neurophysiology Testing and can I bill for it?
This “add-on” code, CPT 95920 Intraoperative Neurophysiology testing, per hour (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure), is frequently called “nerve monitoring”. Physicians use this CPT code when performing nerve monitoring during complex surgical procedures involving cranial nerves. Another physician (usually a neurologist or physiatrist), or an electrodiagnostic technologist prepares the patient prior to surgery by attaching fine wires and electrodes on designated areas, such as the face or neck during case of facial nerve monitoring. For recurrent nerve monitoring, the electrodes are integrated into the endotracheal tube. These electrodes are connected to electrodiagnostic equipment that monitors specific nerves either through automated monitoring (e.g., an audible alarm) or by the clinician’s interpretation of the monitoring device’s output. The American Medical Association’s Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) does not limit CPT codes to any particular special
