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Official Description

Neuropsychological testing (eg, Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery, Wechsler Memory Scales and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test), 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

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Neuropsychological testing, represented by CPT® Code 96118, involves a comprehensive evaluation of brain function and cognitive impairment through standardized assessments. This procedure is typically conducted by a psychologist, neuropsychologist, neurologist, or other qualified physician who selects appropriate tests tailored to the patient's needs. The testing process includes well-established instruments such as the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery, Wechsler Memory Scales, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, which are designed to measure various cognitive abilities and identify potential deficits. The service is time-based, with the code reflecting one hour of the professional's face-to-face interaction with the patient. During this time, the clinician administers the tests, interprets the results, integrates the data obtained, and prepares a detailed report summarizing the findings. It is important to note that this code specifically accounts for both the administration of the tests and the subsequent analysis and reporting, ensuring a comprehensive approach to neuropsychological assessment. For situations where testing is performed by a technician or through computer-based methods, alternative codes such as 96119 and 96120 should be utilized, as they pertain to different aspects of the testing process.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

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