Coding Update: Central Nervous System Assessments/Tests (96110, 96127) (August 2015)

Why This Topic Matters

These services are commonly documented in primary care, pediatrics, and behavioral health, so accurate code selection and documentation help support clean claims and consistent reporting. Understanding the update is important for organizations that use standardized screening tools and need to align workflows with CPT guidance.

Article Sections

1. August 2015 page 5

   Publication and issue information for the coding update.

2. Coding Update: Central Nervous System Assessments/Tests (96110, 96127)

   Overview of the CPT update and the general purpose of standardized assessment services for central nervous system testing.

3. Reporting Code 96110

   Discussion of the developmental screening service and the broad settings and encounter types where it may be documented.

4. Reporting Code 96127

   Discussion of the brief emotional and behavioral assessment service and the types of standardized instruments referenced.

5. Clinical Example (96127)

   An illustrative patient scenario showing the use of a behavioral assessment tool and related follow-up context.

6. Description of Procedure (96127)

   General procedural description of how the brief standardized behavioral or emotional assessment is administered, scored, and communicated.