CPT Code 96132: Neuropsychological Testing Evaluation, First Hour

Learn the essentials of the 96132 CPT code to enhance your billing practices. Gain clarity and confidence in your coding decisions.

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What is neuropsychological testing evaluation (CPT 96132)?

CPT 96132 refers to neuropsychological evaluation services by a physician or other qualified health care professional, including integration of patient data, interpretation of standardized test results and clinical data, clinical decision making, treatment planning, and report and interactive feedback to the patient, family member(s) or caregiver(s), when performed; first hour.

This code is typically used during a detailed clinical assessment to understand how neurological conditions may be affecting behavior, mood, or thinking skills. Neuropsychological testing evaluation services include interviews, cognitive assessments, and review of relevant records to identify patterns of cognitive strengths and weaknesses. These services are often used to support diagnoses such as traumatic brain injury, dementia, ADHD, and other neurological or psychiatric conditions. CPT 96132 covers only the first hour, with additional time billed separately using CPT code 96133.

CPT code 96132 documentation requirements

CPT code 96132 has specific documentation requirements, and it’s important to get them right for proper billing and compliance. In short, your notes should clearly explain why the testing was needed, what was done, and what was found. Here's what you need to include:

Referral question and diagnosis
Relevant medical and psychosocial history
Sources of information (e.g., patient interview, record review, behavioral observations)
Testing procedures administered
Clinical decision-making, interpretation of test data, and integration of all findings
Diagnosis, treatment plan, and recommendations
Dates of service, billing codes, time spent
Legible signature of the provider

Also, testing must lead to a clear written report, documented in understandable language, with feedback for referral sources; keep everything signed, legible, and stored in the patient’s record for payer review.

CPT code 96132 billing guidelines

Billing for CPT code 96132 doesn’t have to be confusing. The key is to be clear about what you did and how long it took, especially if you go beyond the first hour.

Here are some billing guidelines for CPT code 96132:

Bill 96132 for the first hour of neuropsychological evaluation services.
Use CPT code 96133 for each additional hour needed to complete the evaluation.
Document all time spent on face-to-face evaluation, test scoring, interpretation, and report writing.
Include detailed documentation that supports the medical necessity of the neuropsychological testing performed.

Other relevant psychological and neuropsychological testing codes

There’s more to psychological and neuropsychological testing than just CPT 96132. Here are some other commonly used codes that cover test administration, scoring, and additional evaluation time:

Psychological testing evaluation services codes

96130: Psychological testing evaluation services by physician or other qualified health care professional, including integration of patient data, interpretation of standardized test results and clinical data, clinical decision making, treatment planning and report, and interactive feedback to the patient, family member(s) or caregiver(s), when performed; first hour
96131: Psychological testing evaluation services by physician or other qualified health care professional, including integration of patient data, interpretation of standardized test results and clinical data, clinical decision making, treatment planning and report, and interactive feedback to the patient, family member(s) or caregiver(s), when performed; each additional hour (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Neurobehavioral status examination codes

96116: Neurobehavioral status exam (clinical assessment of thinking, reasoning and judgment, e.g., acquired knowledge, attention, language, memory, planning and problem solving, and visual spatial abilities), by physician or other qualified health care professional, both face-to-face time with the patient and time interpreting test results and preparing the report; first hour
96121: Neurobehavioral status exam (clinical assessment of thinking, reasoning and judgment, e.g., acquired knowledge, attention, language, memory, planning and problem solving, and visual spatial abilities), by physician or other qualified health care professional, both face-to-face time with the patient and time interpreting test results and preparing the report; each additional hour (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Psychological or neuropsychological test administration and scoring codes

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
96137: Psychological or neuropsychological test administration and scoring by physician or other qualified health care professional, two or more tests, any method; each additional 30 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Frequently asked questions

The main difference between 96132 and 96136 lies in what part of the neuropsychological service they cover. CPT 96132 is used for the evaluation portion, including integrating patient data, interpreting test results, making clinical decisions, and providing feedback. On the other hand, CPT 96136 covers the psychological or neuropsychological test administration and scoring, which is performed directly by a physician or qualified health professional for the first 30 minutes.

It is one of the neuropsychological testing services used for evaluating and interpreting cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. This includes integrating patient history, test data, and clinical observations to make diagnostic and treatment decisions, typically performed by a physician or qualified healthcare professional.

Physicians or other qualified healthcare professionals (QHPs) who conduct neuropsychological evaluation services may bill PT code 96132.