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Code deleted, see 96130, 96131, 96136, 96137, 96138, 96139, 96146

Official Description

Psychological testing (includes psychodiagnostic assessment of emotionality, intellectual abilities, personality and psychopathology, eg, MMPI), administered by a computer, with qualified health care professional interpretation and report

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

CPT® Code 96103 refers to psychological testing that encompasses a comprehensive psychodiagnostic assessment of various psychological constructs, including emotionality, intellectual abilities, personality traits, and psychopathology. This testing is typically conducted using standardized instruments such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), Rorschach inkblot test, and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). The procedure is characterized as a time-based service, specifically reported per hour of face-to-face interaction between the patient and the qualified health care professional administering the tests. The process begins with the selection of appropriate psychological tests tailored to the patient's needs, followed by the administration of these tests in a direct encounter. After the testing phase, the qualified professional derives and analyzes both raw and standardized scores from the test results. Additionally, any supplementary data obtained from the computerized testing or technician-administered tests is reviewed and integrated into the overall assessment. Finally, a detailed written report is prepared, summarizing the findings and interpretations of the test results. It is important to note that this code is specifically used when the psychological testing is administered via a computer, with the patient completing the computerized assessments. In contrast, CPT® Code 96102 should be utilized when a technician administers the tests, and the results are subsequently returned to a qualified health care professional for interpretation and report preparation.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The indications for utilizing CPT® Code 96103 include a variety of psychological assessments aimed at diagnosing and understanding emotional and cognitive functioning. This code is applicable in the following scenarios:

  • Psychodiagnostic Assessment The procedure is indicated for patients requiring a thorough evaluation of their emotional state, intellectual capabilities, personality characteristics, and potential psychopathological conditions.
  • Standardized Testing It is used when standardized psychological tests, such as the MMPI, Rorschach, or WAIS, are deemed necessary to gather objective data regarding a patient's psychological profile.
  • Clinical Evaluation The code is appropriate for clinical settings where a qualified health care professional needs to interpret psychological test results to inform treatment planning and therapeutic interventions.

2. Procedure

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 96103 involves several key steps that ensure a comprehensive psychological evaluation:

  • Step 1: Test Selection The qualified health care professional begins by selecting the appropriate psychological tests based on the patient's specific needs and clinical indications. This selection process is crucial to ensure that the tests administered will yield relevant and useful data for assessment.
  • Step 2: Administration of Tests Following the selection, the tests are administered in a face-to-face encounter, where the patient engages with the computerized testing system. The administration is conducted in a controlled environment to facilitate accurate responses and minimize distractions.
  • Step 3: Data Collection During the testing, raw scores are collected, and standardized scores are derived from the patient's responses. This data collection phase is essential for quantifying the patient's psychological attributes and identifying any areas of concern.
  • Step 4: Data Integration After the tests are completed, the qualified health care professional reviews and integrates additional test data obtained from the computerized system or any technician-administered tests. This integration helps to create a holistic view of the patient's psychological profile.
  • Step 5: Report Preparation Finally, the qualified health care professional prepares a detailed written report that summarizes the findings from the testing. This report includes interpretations of the test results, insights into the patient's psychological functioning, and recommendations for further treatment or intervention if necessary.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the administration of psychological testing under CPT® Code 96103 typically involves a follow-up consultation where the qualified health care professional discusses the results with the patient. During this follow-up, the professional may provide insights into the findings, address any questions or concerns the patient may have, and outline potential next steps for treatment based on the assessment results. It is also important for the professional to document the outcomes of the testing and any recommendations made during the follow-up session to ensure continuity of care and proper record-keeping.

Short Descr PSYCHO TESTING ADMIN BY COMP
Medium Descr PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING COMPUTER W/PROF I&R
Long Descr Psychological testing (includes psychodiagnostic assessment of emotionality, intellectual abilities, personality and psychopathology, eg, MMPI), administered by a computer, with qualified health care professional interpretation and 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 STV-Packaged Codes
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
Date
Action
Notes
2019-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 96130, 96131, 96136, 96137, 96138, 96139, 96146
2006-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2006.
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