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Code deleted, see 96132, 96133, 96136, 96137, 96138, 96139, 96146

Official Description

Neuropsychological testing (eg, Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery, Wechsler Memory Scales and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test), with qualified health care professional interpretation and report, administered by technician, per hour of technician time, face-to-face

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Neuropsychological testing, as described by CPT® Code 96119, involves a systematic evaluation of cognitive functions and brain performance through standardized assessments. This testing is typically conducted by a qualified health care professional, such as a psychologist, neuropsychologist, or neurologist, who selects the appropriate tests to assess various cognitive domains. The tests may include well-known instruments like the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery, Wechsler Memory Scales, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, which are designed to measure aspects of memory, attention, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities. The procedure is characterized by its face-to-face nature, where a technician administers the tests directly to the patient. The time spent by the technician in this direct interaction is crucial, as the code is billed on an hourly basis for the technician's time spent administering the tests. Following the administration, the technician compiles the raw and standardized scores, which are then analyzed and integrated into a comprehensive report. This report is subsequently interpreted by a qualified health care professional, who provides insights based on the test results. It is important to note that this code specifically applies when the testing is performed by a technician, distinguishing it from other codes that may involve different modalities of testing or administration methods.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The neuropsychological testing represented by CPT® Code 96119 is indicated for a variety of clinical scenarios where assessment of cognitive function is necessary. These indications may include:

  • Assessment of Cognitive Impairment Evaluation of patients with suspected cognitive deficits due to neurological conditions, traumatic brain injury, or other medical issues.
  • Diagnostic Clarification Assisting in the diagnosis of conditions such as dementia, learning disabilities, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Pre- and Post-Intervention Evaluation Measuring cognitive function before and after therapeutic interventions to assess efficacy.
  • Legal and Forensic Evaluations Providing objective data for legal cases involving cognitive function, competency, or disability claims.

2. Procedure

The procedure for neuropsychological testing under CPT® Code 96119 involves several key steps, each critical to the overall assessment process. These steps include:

  • Step 1: Test Selection The qualified health care professional identifies and selects the appropriate neuropsychological tests based on the patient's specific needs and clinical indications. This selection process is essential to ensure that the tests administered will yield relevant and useful data regarding the patient's cognitive abilities.
  • Step 2: Administration of Tests A trained technician conducts the testing in a face-to-face setting with the patient. During this time, the technician administers the selected tests, ensuring that the testing environment is conducive to accurate performance. The technician follows standardized procedures to maintain the integrity of the testing process.
  • Step 3: Data Collection As the tests are administered, the technician collects raw scores and other relevant data. This data is crucial for later analysis and interpretation. The technician may also integrate additional test data obtained from computerized assessments or other sources.
  • Step 4: Report Preparation After the testing is completed, the technician compiles the results into a comprehensive report. This report includes both the raw and standardized scores, along with any observations made during the testing process. The report serves as a foundational document for further interpretation by the qualified health care professional.
  • Step 5: Interpretation and Integration The final step involves the qualified health care professional reviewing the report prepared by the technician. They interpret the results, integrate the findings with clinical observations, and prepare a final written report that outlines the cognitive assessment outcomes and any recommendations for further action or treatment.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following neuropsychological testing with CPT® Code 96119 typically involves a follow-up consultation with the qualified health care professional. During this consultation, the professional discusses the results of the testing with the patient and may provide recommendations based on the findings. This may include referrals for additional services, therapeutic interventions, or further evaluations if necessary. The patient may also receive guidance on coping strategies or resources to address any identified cognitive impairments. It is important for the health care provider to ensure that the patient understands the results and the implications for their cognitive health moving forward.

Short Descr NEUROPSYCH TESTING BY TEC
Medium Descr NEUROPSYC TSTG W/PROF I&R ADMN BY TECH PR HR
Long Descr Neuropsychological testing (eg, Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery, Wechsler Memory Scales and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test), with qualified health care professional interpretation and report, administered by technician, per hour of technician time, face-to-face
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) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
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 96132, 96133, 96136, 96137, 96138, 96139, 96146
2014-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor Changed. Changed to correct spelling error "Neuro" per AMA 2014 corrections document posted 2014-03-24
2006-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2006.
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