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The CPT® Code 96101 refers to psychological testing, which encompasses a comprehensive psychodiagnostic assessment aimed at evaluating various psychological aspects such as emotionality, intellectual abilities, personality traits, and psychopathology. This testing may utilize standardized instruments, including but not limited to the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), Rorschach inkblot tests, and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). The code is specifically designed to capture the time-based nature of the testing service, indicating that it is billed per hour of the psychologist's or physician's time. This includes both the direct, face-to-face interaction with the patient during the administration of the tests and the subsequent time spent interpreting the results and preparing a detailed report. The process involves selecting the appropriate tests to be administered in a face-to-face setting, conducting the tests, deriving and analyzing raw and standardized scores, reviewing additional data from computer or technician testing, and ultimately compiling a written report that summarizes the findings and interpretations of the tests conducted.
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The CPT® Code 96101 is indicated for use in various scenarios where a psychological evaluation is necessary. These indications may include, but are not limited to, the following:
The procedure associated with CPT® Code 96101 involves several key steps that ensure a thorough psychological evaluation. Each step is critical to the overall assessment process:
Post-procedure care following the administration of psychological testing under CPT® Code 96101 typically involves a follow-up consultation where the results are discussed with the patient. During this session, the psychologist or physician reviews the findings from the tests, explains the implications of the results, and may provide recommendations for treatment or further evaluation if needed. It is also an opportunity for the patient to ask questions and clarify any concerns regarding the assessment. The recovery from the testing itself is generally immediate, as it is a non-invasive procedure; however, the psychological impact of the findings may require ongoing support or intervention.
| Short Descr | PSYCHO TESTING BY PSYCH/PHYS | Medium Descr | PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING PR HR WITH PATIENT | Long Descr | Psychological testing (includes psychodiagnostic assessment of emotionality, intellectual abilities, personality and psychopathology, eg, MMPI, Rorschach, WAIS), per hour of the psychologist's or physician's time, both face-to-face time administering tests to the patient and time interpreting these test results and preparing the report | 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 | Type of Service (TOS) | 1 - Medical Care | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T2D - Other tests - other | MUE | Not applicable/unspecified. | CCS Clinical Classification | 218 - Psychological and psychiatric evaluation and therapy |
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