Neuropsychology Billing Services

Neuropsychology billing is driven by testing time. A single evaluation can include hours of test administration, scoring, interpretation, and report writing, and each part has its own code and time rules. Payers often require prior authorization and review the medical need closely.

Small mistakes add up. Billing the wrong time, mixing up who did the work, or missing an authorization can cost a full evaluation. Westmont Revenue Partners connects neuropsychology practices with vetted billing experts who know how these claims are built and how to defend them when payers push back.

Who this is for

• Clinical neuropsychologists in private practice
• Group practices that offer testing for children, adults, and older adults
• Hospital-affiliated and rehabilitation-based neuropsychology services
• Practices that use psychometrists or technicians for test administration
• Evaluators working in memory clinics, concussion programs, and pediatric settings

What gets billed

• Neurobehavioral status exams
• Psychological or neuropsychological test evaluation by the clinician
• Test administration and scoring by the clinician
• Test administration and scoring by a technician
• Additional testing time beyond the first hour
• Computer-assisted testing services
• Developmental screening and brief assessments
• Clinical interviews and feedback sessions
• Report preparation tied to the testing
• Telehealth testing where the payer allows it

Commonly billed codes

Code	Type	What it covers
96116	CPT	Neurobehavioral status exam by the clinician, first hour
96130	CPT	Psychological testing evaluation by the clinician, first hour
96131	CPT	Each added hour of psychological testing evaluation
96132	CPT	Neuropsychological testing evaluation by the clinician, first hour
96133	CPT	Each added hour of neuropsychological testing evaluation
96136	CPT	Test administration and scoring by the clinician, first 30 minutes
96137	CPT	Each added 30 minutes of clinician test administration
96138	CPT	Test administration and scoring by a technician, first 30 minutes
96139	CPT	Each added 30 minutes of technician test administration

Note

Codes are examples for orientation, not a complete list, and do not guarantee coverage or payment. Always check current code sets and payer policy.

Billing challenges in neuropsychology

• Time thresholds. The evaluation codes depend on hours, and the administration codes depend on 30-minute blocks. Payers expect notes to show real time spent. Billers audit time logs before submission.
• Clinician versus technician time. Testing done by a technician uses different codes than testing done by the neuropsychologist. Billers confirm who performed each task and match codes to that role.
• Prior authorization. Many payers require approval before testing, sometimes by code and unit count. Billers request the full expected units and track changes if the plan expands.
• Payer limits on units. Some plans cap total testing hours or question the need for extended evaluations. Billers prepare medical necessity letters tied to referral questions.
• Separate billing for report writing. Report time usually falls inside the evaluation codes, not a separate service. Billers avoid duplicate billing and review payer-specific edits.
• Provider credentialing. Plans may credential doctoral-level psychologists but not all supervised staff. Billers verify enrollment for each person who renders a service.
• Medical versus mental health benefits. Testing for cognitive concerns may fall under the medical benefit, while other testing falls under behavioral health. Billers check verification notes and diagnosis alignment.

How Westmont can help

• Matching you with vetted billing experts experienced in neuropsychology testing
• End-to-end revenue cycle support, from authorization to payment posting
• Denial management for unit limits and medical necessity reviews
• Help with credentialing for clinicians and supervised staff
• Reports that show testing claims by payer and status

Frequently asked questions

Can a technician's time be billed under the neuropsychologist's code?

Not usually. Technician administration has its own code, and the clinician's own test work has a different one. Payers expect each code to match who did the work and how long it took. Document roles clearly, and check payer policy on supervision requirements.

How do I bill the first hour and additional hours of testing evaluation?

Evaluation time uses a first-hour code and an add-on code for each further hour. Only bill the add-on if the time threshold in the code is met. Many payers also expect notes that show what was done in each block.

Do I need prior authorization for neuropsychological testing?

Many commercial and Medicare Advantage plans do, though rules vary widely. Authorization is often tied to specific codes and units. Always verify requirements before the first test session, and ask for added units early if the evaluation grows.

Why do payers deny neuropsychology claims?

Common reasons include missing authorization, unit counts above the approved amount, unclear time documentation, and mismatched diagnoses. Review the denial reason, compare it to your notes, and appeal with a clear explanation of medical need.

Is neuropsychology billed under medical or mental health benefits?

It depends on the referral reason and the plan. Some payers route testing to a behavioral health vendor, while others use the medical benefit. Check eligibility and benefit details for each patient before scheduling.

Related billing services

• Psychology Billing
• Neurology Billing
• Psychiatry Billing
• Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Billing
• Geriatrics Billing