CPT® Code 96136

Psychological or neuropsychological test administration and scoring by physician or other qualified health care professional, two or more tests, any method; first 30 minutes

The CPT® Code 96136 refers to the administration and scoring of psychological or neuropsychological tests conducted by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. This procedure is essential for evaluating brain and mental functions, as well as identifying any impairments. The tests utilized in this process are standardized and may include well-known assessments such as the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery, Wechsler Memory Scales, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. The code specifically applies to the administration of two or more tests and is billed based on the time spent in a face-to-face encounter with the patient. The first 30 minutes of test administration and scoring are reported using this code. During this time, the qualified professional selects the appropriate tests, administers them, and derives both raw and standardized scores from the results. It is important to note that additional time spent on these services can be reported using CPT® Code 96137 for each subsequent 30-minute increment. This structured approach ensures that the testing process is thorough and that the results can be accurately interpreted for further clinical decision-making.