How to Report Neuropsychological and Psychological Test Administration: CPT Codes 96136, 96138 & 96146

CPT codes 96136 and 96138 are reported for the first 30 minutes (16+ minutes) of psychological or neuropsychological test administration involving two or more batteries or tasks, whether conducted in person or remotely via any method, and performed under the required level of supervision. In contrast, CPT code 96146 is used when a single test battery is administered electronically in a fully automated, unsupervised format.

Code	Description	Value
96136	Psychological/neuropsychological test administration by provider or QHP, any method, 2+ tasks, first 30 minutes	$40.76
+ 96137	+ Each additional 30 minutes to 96136	$35.90
96138	Psychological/neuropsychological test administration by technician, any method, 2+ tasks, first 30 minutes	$33.64
+ 96139	+ Each additional 30 minutes to 96138	$33.64
96146	Test administration of single task, with automatically generated result; or, testing is performed unsupervised	$2.33

*Fees are based on the Medicare National Fee Schedule, Non-Facility, 2025. Actual reimbursement values may vary by demographic location and payer

Using Add-on CPTs 96137 and 96139 for Additional Test Admin Time 

• Add-on codes 96137 (used in conjunction with primary code 96136) and 96139 (used with primary code 96138) are reported for each additional 16 or more minutes of test administration beyond the initial 30 minutes.
• Any questionnaires completed in conjunction with the formal testing process are considered inclusive and may be counted toward the total accumulated administration time, provided they are part of the overall test battery, and should not be billed separately under screening codes.

Supervising Provider or QHP vs. Technician

Provider or Qualified Healthcare Professional (QHP):

• A provider or QHP is a licensed individual who is qualified by education, training, and licensure to independently perform and interpret diagnostic testing. This includes physicians and clinical psychologists, as well as nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs)—provided they are operating within the scope of their state laws and licensing regulations.
• When a QHP administers psychological or neuropsychological testing (e.g., CPT 96136), the service is billed under their NPI. The Provider or QHP is responsible for selecting the test batteries, overseeing the process, and integrating the clinical findings into patient care.

Technician:

• A technician is typically a trained, non-licensed staff member who performs test administration under the direct supervision of a QHP. While technicians may not interpret results, they are permitted to administer tests (e.g., CPT 96138/96139), and the billing remains under the supervising provider’s NPI. The QHP must be available on-site or via real-time communication to meet general supervision requirements, depending on payer rules, but does not need to be physically present in the room during testing.

It is important to note that Creyos can not determine eligibility for reimbursement and is not responsible for the outcome of any claims. The appropriate selection of CPT codes will depend on additional procedures performed, applicable CCI edits, and other relevant factors.

We recommend contacting your local payer to confirm coverage eligibility and to understand any specific coding or billing guidelines, including provider qualifications, time limitations, and requirements for modifiers.