96136: Test administration and scoring by psychologist, first 30 minutes
96136 is the psychologist's own time administering and scoring two or more standardized tests, first 30 minutes. 96137 covers each additional 30 minutes. It is separate from the evaluation service (96130) and from technician administration (96138 and 96139).
- Kind
- CPT code
- Family
- testing
- Time
- First 30 minutes; 96137 for each additional 30 minutes
- Who bills
- Psychologists
- Telehealth
- Eligible
- Add-on
- Stands alone
When to use it
Use it when you personally administer and score the tests: RIAS-2 or another cognitive measure, structured observation protocols, and standardized rating scale scoring done during the session.
When not to
Do not use it for interpretation (96130), for a technician's time (96138 and 96139), or for a single brief screener.
With children and families
Testing a child by video takes preparation: the parent sets up the space, materials may be mailed, and you document which tests were valid to deliver remotely and any adaptations. Record each instrument, start and stop times, and who was present.
Questions about 96136
- Can 96136 be billed for a single test?
- Two or more tests are required for 96136; a single test may fall under a different rule. Check the payer.
- Can testing be done by telehealth?
- Many instruments can, with the publisher's telehealth guidance and payer approval. Emora psychologists use protocols validated for remote delivery.
Related
| Code | What it is | Time | Who bills | Telehealth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96130 | Psychological testing evaluation services, first hour | First 60 minutes; 96131 for each additional hour | Psychologists | Yes |
| 96137 | Test administration and scoring by psychologist, each additional 30 minutes | Each additional 30 minutes after 96136 | Psychologists | Yes |
| 96138 | Test administration and scoring by technician, first 30 minutes | First 30 minutes; 96139 for each additional 30 minutes | Psychologists | Yes |
General information for licensed clinicians, not billing advice. Insurers reimburse each code differently and payer contracts control; Emora handles the billing.
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