CPT Code 96138: Neuropsychological Test Administration by Technician (First 30 Minutes)

The average Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT code 96138, which covers the first 30 minutes of psychological or neuropsychological test administration and scoring by a technician, is $33.83.

CPT codes 96136 (test administration by a qualified healthcare professional) and 96138 (test administration by a technician) should not be billed together for the same time period or same test, as each code is specific to who performs the service; however, both codes can be billed for the same patient if the time for each service is counted separately and properly documented, with appropriate modifiers applied to avoid claim denials.

CMS requires the use of the -59 modifier on CPT codes 96138 and 96132 when billed with other services, such as evaluation and management (E/M) codes, to indicate that these procedures are distinct and separately identifiable from other services provided on the same day.