CPT Code 95913: Nerve Conduction Studies, 13 or More Studies

Understand CPT Code 95913 for nerve conduction studies (13+ tests), including documentation tips and billing rules.

What is NCS (13 or more studies)?

CPT Code 95913 refers to nerve conduction studies involving 13 or more distinct tests to evaluate how well electrical signals move through the nerves. These diagnostic tests help identify abnormalities in the nervous system, including conditions like diabetic neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, spinal stenosis, and neuromuscular junction disorders.

Each study includes either a sensory conduction test or a motor conduction test that targets different nerves, such as the median nerve, ulnar nerve, sciatic nerve, femoral nerve, and even cranial nerves. Testing both ipsilateral and contralateral stimulation may be necessary, depending on the clinical case.

Physicians often order the 95913 CPT code for patients presenting with symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle wasting and atrophy not elsewhere classified. It can also be used for diagnosing diseases classified elsewhere, such as secondary malignant neoplasm, rheumatoid arthritis, or intervertebral disc disorders affecting nerve function.

To support medical necessity, documentation must confirm that each of the 13+ studies represents a distinct study of a separate nerve or pathway. This code helps healthcare providers gather critical data to monitor disease intensity, evaluate symptoms such as fatigue, cramps, or twitching, and determine the need for additional testing, including needle EMG or H-reflex tests.

CPT code 95913 documentation requirements

To support CPT code 95913, documentation must include:

A clear record of 13 or more distinct nerve conduction studies performed, specifying each nerve tested (e.g., ulnar nerve, sciatic nerve, cranial nerves, femoral nerve, median nerve).
The modality used for each (e.g., motor conduction test, sensory conduction test, or mixed).
Technical parameters such as conduction velocity, latency, and amplitude, along with any ipsilateral and contralateral stimulation used.
A detailed clinical interpretation that links findings to symptoms like muscle wasting and atrophy, pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, fatigue, and cramps.
Clear justification for medical necessity, including diagnostic goals such as evaluating autonomic neuropathy, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or disease classified elsewhere.
Supplementary documentation that outlines how the test results will guide management of conditions like diabetic neuropathy, intervertebral disc disorders, or neoplasm of cerebral meninges.

Every nerve study must meet the AANEM standards for a reportable conduction test. Incomplete or overlapping studies with the same nerve do not count toward the total.

Billing guidelines

Proper billing of CPT code 95913, used for nerve conduction studies involving 13 or more tests, requires detailed documentation and careful adherence to payer policies. Below are key considerations:

Count all qualifying studies

Include all motor, sensory, and F-wave studies in the total. Each study must assess a different nerve, direction, or limb. For example, testing the sensory nerve conduction threshold on both upper limbs counts as two separate studies.

Document medical necessity

Clearly outline why extensive testing is required. This might include symptoms like sensory neuropathy, tarsal tunnel syndrome (bilateral), or nerve root involvement due to intervertebral disc disorders. Be sure to:

Explain how each study contributes to diagnosis
Link testing to functional impairment
Support claims with clinical notes and history

Use EMG codes when appropriate

You may bill EMG codes (like 95886) alongside 95913 only if both procedures are performed and separately documented. Describe how the nerve conduction studies performed differ in purpose and findings from the EMG.

Watch for payer policies and caps

Many insurers, including Medicare, limit the number of billable studies per encounter. Review LCDs (Local Coverage Determinations) and policy rules to avoid denials. Some nerve conduction codes may be bundled or restricted based on clinical diagnosis.

Ensure accurate reporting by distinguishing between CPT Code 95913 and other nerve conduction codes (e.g., 95907–95912) based on the number of studies performed.

Other related CPT codes

95907–95912 – NCS codes for fewer nerves
95886 – EMG with NCS for one extremity

Frequently asked questions

Yes. CPT code 95913 is used when 13 or more nerve conduction studies are performed. These may include a combination of motor conduction tests, sensory conduction tests, and F-wave tests across multiple sites or nerves such as the ulnar nerve, sciatic nerve, femoral nerve, or median nerve. Be sure to document each distinct study clearly to support medical necessity and compliance with billing and coding guidelines.

Yes, the 95913 CPT code can be billed on the same day as EMG codes like 95886, as long as the nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography (EMG) are medically necessary, performed separately, and fully documented.

Avoid double-counting the same nerve. For example, ipsilateral and contralateral stimulation of the ulnar nerve or sciatic nerve counts as separate studies only if the recording sites and conduction directions differ. Ensure that each nerve conduction study is clinically distinct and contributes to diagnosing issues like sensory neuropathy, spinal stenosis, or neuromuscular junction testing.