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The CPT® Code 95981 refers to the electronic analysis of an implanted neurostimulator pulse generator system, specifically for a gastric neurostimulator. This procedure involves a comprehensive assessment of various parameters of the neurostimulator, including the rate, pulse amplitude and duration, configuration of the waveform, battery status, electrode selectability, output modulation, cycling, impedance, and patient measurements. Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is a therapeutic approach used to manage gastroparesis, a condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying. The GES system employs a gastric pacemaker device that delivers mild electrical stimulation to the lower stomach nerves, promoting contractions that facilitate the movement of food through the digestive tract. During the procedure, the gastric neurostimulator system is evaluated following its placement or replacement, which is reported separately. Prior to the insertion of electrodes into the stomach, the neurostimulator device and its memory card are programmed with criteria tailored to the individual patient. After the electrode wires are placed, an interrogation procedure is conducted to assess the system's functionality. This involves attaching an interrogating head, checking the impedance between the wires, and making necessary adjustments if the impedance is outside the acceptable range. The process may require switching the polarity of the electrodes or adjusting the wires until the impedance is normalized. Once the implantation is completed, the interrogation and impedance analysis are repeated to ensure proper functioning. The stimulation settings, including the stimulation rate, pulse width, cycling times, and battery status, are meticulously checked and documented. After confirming that all components are operating correctly, the device is activated, and the interrogating head is removed. The subsequent electronic analysis, typically performed at six-month intervals, ensures that the GES system continues to function effectively without the need for reprogramming. If reprogramming is necessary, it is reported under a different code (CPT® 95982), which involves adjustments to the system parameters and verification of the results using the interrogator.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The electronic analysis of an implanted gastric neurostimulator pulse generator system is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for the electronic analysis of the implanted gastric neurostimulator pulse generator system involves several critical steps to ensure the device is functioning correctly.
After the electronic analysis is completed, the patient is monitored to ensure that the gastric neurostimulator is functioning as intended. Subsequent electronic analyses are typically performed at six-month intervals to verify the ongoing functionality of the GES system. During these follow-up analyses, the interrogation head is placed over the subcutaneous stimulator in the abdomen, and measurements such as impedance, voltage, current, stimulation rate, pulse width, cycling times, and battery status are taken. These measurements are compared with previous settings to ensure consistency, although no adjustments are made unless indicated. If reprogramming is required, it is reported under a different CPT® code (CPT® 95982), which involves adjustments to the system parameters and verification of the results using the interrogator.
| Short Descr | IO ANAL GAST N-STIM SUBSQ | Medium Descr | ELEC ALYS NSTIM GEN GASTRIC SBSQ W/O REPRGRMG | Long Descr | Electronic analysis of implanted neurostimulator pulse generator system (eg, rate, pulse amplitude and duration, configuration of wave form, battery status, electrode selectability, output modulation, cycling, impedance and patient measurements) gastric neurostimulator pulse generator/transmitter; subsequent, without reprogramming | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | 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 | STV-Packaged Codes | Type of Service (TOS) | 1 - Medical Care | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 7 - Other diagnostic nervous system procedures |
| 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 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. | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | FS | Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician |
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| 2008-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2008. |
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