CPT® Code 95900

Deleted

Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are diagnostic tests utilized to assess the functionality of motor nerves by measuring the amplitude and latency or velocity of electrical impulses as they travel through the nerve. These studies are essential for identifying nerve damage and disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which can manifest through symptoms like numbness, tingling, or other abnormal sensations in the extremities. During the procedure, several flat metal disc electrodes are affixed to the skin using conductive paste or tape. A shock-emitting electrode is strategically placed over the nerve being evaluated, while a recording electrode is positioned over the muscles that the nerve innervates. When electrical pulses are transmitted through the shock-emitting electrode, the conduction time is recorded, which reflects the duration it takes for the muscle to contract in response to the stimulus. Additionally, the amplitude, indicating the strength of the muscle response, and the latency or velocity, which measures the speed of the nerve impulse, are also documented. Following the completion of the study, the physician analyzes the recorded data and generates a comprehensive written report detailing the findings. For billing purposes, the CPT® code 95900 is used for each motor nerve conduction study conducted without an F-wave study, while 95903 is designated for studies that include an F-wave component. The F-wave study, which involves the recording of small amplitude, long latency responses, provides additional insights into the proximal function of the nerve, typically requiring multiple recordings at each stimulus site. In contrast, 95904 is the appropriate code for sensory nerve conduction studies, which are performed similarly but focus on measuring the time it takes for impulses to travel along the sensory nerve.