CPT Code 96139: Additional time for technician-administered neuropsych testing

What is additional time for technician-administered neuropsych testing?

CPT code 96139 is used to report each additional 30 minutes of technician-administered neuropsychological test administration and scoring, when supervised by a qualified healthcare professional. This code is used in conjunction with CPT 96138, which covers the first 30 minutes of testing.

These services are typically provided when patients undergo psychological or neuropsychological tests as part of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. Tests may assess memory, executive function, attention, language, and other cognitive domains. CPT 96139 is only reported when two or more tests are administered and when the additional time beyond the first 30 minutes is both medically necessary and appropriately documented.

CPT Code 96139 documentation requirements

Proper documentation is crucial for supporting medical necessity, ensuring accurate billing, and demonstrating compliance with payer policies.

Medical necessity and purpose of testing

The provider must document the clinical reason for neuropsychological testing, including a relevant diagnosis (e.g., dementia, TBI, ADHD) and the role of testing in treatment planning, diagnosis, or ongoing evaluation. The service must be medically necessary and not purely for educational or occupational purposes.

Type of tests and number administered

List the specific neuropsychological tests administered, along with details about the duration of testing. Testing must include two or more standardized instruments, and the documentation should support the need for additional technician time.

Qualified supervision

Confirm that the technician-administered tests were conducted under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional (e.g., licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist). The supervising provider is responsible for interpreting results and integrating findings into the patient’s care plan.

Time tracking and session details

Clearly document the start and stop times for testing sessions to support the total time billed under 96138 and 96139. Only face-to-face technician time spent on test administration and scoring is billable.

CPT code 96139 billing guidelines

Accurate billing of CPT 96139 depends on understanding its role as an add-on code and how it fits into the broader structure of neuropsychological testing services. Providers must follow CPT coding guidelines to distinguish between administration, scoring, and interpretation services.

Add-on code use

CPT 96139 is an add-on code and cannot be billed alone. It must always follow an initial 96138 code and represents each additional 30-minute increment of technician-administered testing.

Do not report for interpretation

96139 is limited to test administration and scoring. It does not include test interpretation, integration of results, or clinical decision-making by the provider. These services are separately reported using codes such as 96132 and 96133.

Verify payer policy

Coverage for 96139 varies by payer. Some insurers may require prior authorization for psychological testing evaluation services, and reimbursement may be contingent on diagnosis codes and provider qualifications. Always verify with the patient’s plan and follow appropriate coding guidelines.

Other relevant CPT codes

• 96138 – Technician-administered neuropsychological test administration and scoring, first 30 minutes
• 96132 – Test evaluation services by a qualified healthcare professional, first hour
• 96133 – Additional hour of test evaluation services (add-on to 96132)