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Official Description

Actigraphy testing, recording, analysis, interpretation, and report (minimum of 72 hours to 14 consecutive days of recording)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Actigraphy testing, as defined by CPT® Code 95803, is a method used to assess and analyze sleep patterns and circadian rhythms over a specified duration, ranging from a minimum of 72 hours to a maximum of 14 consecutive days. This non-invasive procedure involves the use of an actigraph, a device worn on the patient's wrist, which records movement data digitally. The primary purpose of actigraphy is to evaluate the adequacy of total sleep time and the duration it takes for an individual to wake after falling asleep. In addition to movement, some advanced actigraphs are capable of collecting supplementary data, such as light exposure and core body temperature, which can further enhance the understanding of the patient's sleep behavior. During the testing period, the patient is required to maintain a sleep diary, which serves as a crucial tool for correlating the objective data obtained from the actigraph with subjective experiences recorded by the patient. This diary includes detailed entries about bedtime, wake time, nocturnal awakenings, and other factors that may influence sleep quality, such as caffeine and alcohol consumption, daytime naps, and levels of alertness. After the completion of the recording period, a technician meticulously reviews the downloaded data to ensure its validity, editing the raw data in conjunction with the information provided in the sleep diary. The final step involves generating a comprehensive report that includes both objective and subjective data, which is then reviewed by the physician with the patient to discuss the findings and implications for their sleep health.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The actigraphy testing procedure is indicated for various conditions and symptoms related to sleep disturbances and circadian rhythm disorders. The following are explicitly provided indications for performing actigraphy testing:

  • Sleep Disorders Actigraphy is utilized to assess patients experiencing insomnia, hypersomnia, or other sleep-related issues.
  • Circadian Rhythm Disorders This testing is indicated for individuals with suspected circadian rhythm sleep disorders, such as delayed sleep phase disorder or shift work disorder.
  • Evaluation of Sleep Patterns Actigraphy is performed to evaluate sleep patterns in patients with complaints of excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue.
  • Monitoring Treatment Efficacy The procedure can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment interventions for sleep disorders.

2. Procedure

The actigraphy testing procedure involves several key steps that ensure accurate data collection and analysis. The following procedural steps are explicitly outlined:

  • Step 1: Device Application The actigraph is securely placed on the patient's wrist, ensuring proper fit and comfort to facilitate continuous movement recording over the testing period.
  • Step 2: Data Recording The actigraph records digital data related to the patient's movement for a minimum of 72 hours and up to 14 consecutive days, capturing patterns of activity and rest.
  • Step 3: Sleep Diary Maintenance The patient is instructed to maintain a sleep diary throughout the testing period, documenting essential information such as bedtime, wake time, nocturnal awakenings, and factors affecting sleep quality.
  • Step 4: Data Downloading At the end of the recording period, the data from the actigraph is downloaded for analysis, ensuring that all recorded information is captured for evaluation.
  • Step 5: Data Review and Editing A technician reviews the downloaded data to validate the test results, editing the raw data in conjunction with the entries from the sleep diary to ensure accuracy.
  • Step 6: Report Generation A comprehensive report is generated, which includes both the objective data from the actigraph and the subjective data from the sleep diary, providing a complete picture of the patient's sleep patterns.
  • Step 7: Physician Review Finally, the physician reviews the results of the actigraphy with the patient, discussing the findings and any necessary follow-up actions or treatment options.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of actigraphy testing, the patient may receive specific instructions regarding follow-up care or additional assessments based on the results. The physician will discuss the findings from the actigraphy report, which may include recommendations for lifestyle modifications, further diagnostic testing, or treatment options tailored to the patient's sleep issues. It is essential for the patient to maintain open communication with their healthcare provider regarding any ongoing sleep concerns or changes in their sleep patterns following the testing period.

Short Descr ACTIGRAPHY TESTING
Medium Descr ACTIGRAPHY TESTING RECORDING ANALYSIS I&R
Long Descr Actigraphy testing, recording, analysis, interpretation, and report (minimum of 72 hours to 14 consecutive days of recording)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
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 STV-Packaged Codes
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T2D - Other tests - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 227 - Other diagnostic procedures (interview, evaluation, consultation)
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.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
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2009-01-01 Added -
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