CPT® Code 95822

An Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a diagnostic procedure that records the electrical activity of the brain. Specifically, CPT® Code 95822 refers to an EEG that is conducted exclusively while the patient is in a coma or asleep. This type of EEG is crucial for assessing brain function in patients who are unable to respond due to unconsciousness or deep sleep. The procedure involves the application of sixteen or more electrodes to the scalp, which are secured with a sticky paste. These electrodes are connected to an amplifier and a recording machine that captures the brain's electrical signals. The patient is instructed to remain still with their eyes closed during the recording process. The EEG machine translates the brain's electrical activity into wavy lines on graph paper, allowing healthcare professionals to analyze the data for abnormalities. This procedure is particularly useful in diagnosing conditions such as seizure disorders, confusion, head injuries, tumors, infections, degenerative diseases, and metabolic disturbances. Additionally, it can help evaluate sleep disorders. The EEG may also be performed on patients in a coma to determine the presence of any brain activity. The physician is responsible for reviewing the recorded data and providing a written interpretation of the results. For EEG recordings conducted with the patient awake and drowsy, CPT® Code 95816 is used, while CPT® Code 95819 is designated for recordings with the patient awake and asleep.