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The CPT® Code 96146 refers to the administration of psychological or neuropsychological tests using a single automated, standardized instrument via an electronic platform, with results generated automatically. This type of testing is essential for assessing brain and mental functions, as well as identifying any impairments that may be present. Standardized tests, such as the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery, Wechsler Memory Scales, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, are commonly utilized in this process. The administration of these tests is typically performed by qualified professionals, including psychologists, neuropsychologists, neurologists, or other healthcare providers with the necessary expertise. The procedure involves a face-to-face encounter where the tests are administered, and both raw and standardized scores are obtained. It is important to note that this code specifically applies to tests that are conducted through an automated electronic platform, distinguishing it from other codes that require direct human administration and scoring. The results from these tests are then sent to a qualified healthcare professional for further interpretation, evaluation, and the creation of a written report, ensuring that the findings are accurately assessed and documented for clinical use.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 96146 is indicated for use in situations where psychological or neuropsychological testing is necessary to evaluate cognitive functions and identify potential impairments. This may include, but is not limited to, the following conditions:
The procedure for administering psychological or neuropsychological tests under CPT® Code 96146 involves several key steps:
Post-procedure care following the administration of tests under CPT® Code 96146 typically involves the review and discussion of the test results with the patient. The qualified healthcare professional will provide an interpretation of the findings, which may include recommendations for further evaluation, treatment options, or referrals to other specialists if necessary. It is essential for the healthcare provider to document the results and any subsequent actions taken based on the test outcomes in the patient's medical record. Additionally, follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the patient's progress and address any ongoing concerns related to cognitive function or mental health.
| Short Descr | PSYCL/NRPSYC TST AUTO RESULT | Medium Descr | PSYCL/NRPSYCL TST ELEC PLATFORM AUTO RESULT | Long Descr | Psychological or neuropsychological test administration, with single automated, standardized instrument via electronic platform, with automated result only | 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 | 04 - Physician supervision policy does not apply when procedure is furnished by a qualified, independent psychologist... | 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 | Codes That May Be Paid Through a Composite APC | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 1 |
| XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 95 | Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system. | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter | 24 | Unrelated evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during a postoperative period: the physician or other qualified health care professional may need to indicate that an evaluation and management service was performed during a postoperative period for a reason(s) unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 24 to the appropriate level of e/m service. | AH | Clinical psychologist | GT | Via interactive audio and video telecommunication systems | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2019-01-01 | Added | Added |
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