For the CPT 2024 code set, codes 64590 and 64595 were revised. Because both these codes are used to report programming of neurostimulators, similar to codes 95971 and 95972, it is important to know the intent and reporting differences of these four codes. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to highlight the differences and provide instructions regarding reporting codes 64590 and 64595 vs codes 95971 and 95972.

Code description of CPT code 64590, 64595, 95971 and 95972

 64590    Insertion or replacement of peripheral, sacral, or gastric neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver, requiring pocket creation and connection between electrode array and pulse generator or receiver

(Do not report 64590 in conjunction with 64595)

(Do not report 64590 in conjunction with 64596, 64597, 64598)

 64595   Revision or removal of peripheral, sacral, or gastric neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver, with detachable connection to electrode array

 95970    Electronic analysis of implanted neurostimulator pulse generator/transmitter (eg, contact group[s], interleaving, amplitude, pulse width, frequency [Hz], on/off cycling, burst, magnet mode, dose lockout, patient selectable parameters, responsive neurostimulation, detection algorithms, closed loop parameters, and passive parameters) by physician or other qualified health care professional; with brain, cranial nerve, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, or sacral nerve, neurostimulator pulse generator/transmitter, without programming

(Do not report 95970 in conjunction with 95971, 95972, 95976, 95977, 95983, 95984)

 95971      with simple spinal cord or peripheral nerve (eg, sacral nerve) neurostimulator pulse generator/transmitter programming by physician or other qualified health care professional

(Do not report 95971 in conjunction with 95972)

 95972     with complex spinal cord or peripheral nerve (eg, sacral nerve) neurostimulator pulse generator/transmitter programming by physician or other qualified health care professional

Initial programming for implanted neurostimulators occurs in the operating room (OR) during the insertion or revision of the neurostimulator. The programmer is used in the OR to check for impedance after neurostimulator insertion. Additional programming may occur following the insertion or revision of the neurostimulator within the 10-day global period. Because programming is included in codes 64590 and 64595, separate codes should not be reported for this service. Codes 95971 and 95972 should only be reported if additional programming occurs beyond the 10-day global period; however, the additional programming should include additional adjustments to the settings and not just checking impedance. As stated in the guidelines for these codes, simple programming includes the adjustment of one to three parameters, and complex programming includes the adjustment of more than three parameters. Electronic analysis to document settings and electrode impedances without programming may be reported with code 95970.