Psychological and neuropsychological testing codes for psychologists

Psychological and neuropsychological testing services utilize diagnostic tests when mental illness or brain dysfunction is suspected, and clarification is essential for the diagnosis and treatment. On January 1, 2019, this family of codes was revised and extensive changes went into effect.

As of January 1, 2019, practitioners need to use the updated billing codes for Medicare and all insurance carriers. The list is intended to familiarize you with specific testing coding changes and will be helpful for updating your billing and claims processing systems.

• Descriptors and Total NF RVUs for 2019 Psychological and Neuropsychological Assessment CPT Codes for Psychologists (PDF, 52KB)opens in new window
• Descriptors for 2019 Psychological and Neuropsychological Assessment CPT Codes for Psychologists (PDF, 37KB)opens in new window

Given the modernized coding structure that more accurately describes the work required when multiple hours of technical and professional services are performed, APA has developed three crosswalks between the 2018 testing codes and the corresponding codes to be used in 2019. These PDFs are intended to assist psychologists as they make the transition.

• Crosswalk for 2019 Psychological Testing and Evaluation CPT Codes (PDF, 50KB)opens in new window
• Crosswalk for 2019 Neuropsychological Testing and Evaluation CPT Codes (PDF, 69KB)opens in new window
• Crosswalk for 2019 Computerized Test CPT Codes (PDF, 35KB)opens in new window

• Updated guidance on billing and coding (August 2019)
• Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing Billing and Coding Guide
• Webinar series on testing codes : A series of pre-recorded mini webinars from May 2019 on billing and documentation updates.

• Slides (PDF, 494KB)opens in new window and webinaropens in new window for the December 21, 2018 webinar, Getting Reimbursed: Ask the testing code experts. 
• On December 5, 2018, Antonio Puente, PhD, and Neil Pliskin, PhD, continued discussion of the changes to the psychological and neuropsychological testing codes for 2019. This webinar focused on how to document your work as well as introduce the updated code values and payment structure.
• Frequently asked questions regarding the 2019 Testing Codes (PDF, 419KB)opens in new window
• Understanding Medicare’s Facility Fee Reduction (PDF, 495KB)opens in new window .
• The November 28, 2018, webinar was specially aimed at insurers to help them understand the code changes.
• Up To Code: An article providing guidance on how to use the updated codes.
• The recording from our October 24, 2018, webinar—Getting Reimbursed: Testing code changes are here on the specific codes, descriptions and practical examples.
• Slides from the October 24, 2018, webinar on testing code changes (PDF, 635KB)opens in new window .
• Up to code: Examining the new testing codes: Get answers to your questions about the CPT ^® codes for psychological and neuropsychological testing services.

For help with questions about or billing problems related to the revised testing codes, contact the APA Services Government Relations department at (202) 336-5889.

CPT Copyright 2017 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

CPT^® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.