95717

Electroencephalogram (EEG), continuous recording, physician or other qualified health care professional review of recorded events, analysis of spike and seizure detection, interpretation and report, 2 to 12 hours of EEG recording; without video

The CPT code 95717 represents the professional component of a continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) recording that lasts between 2 to 12 hours, without concurrent video monitoring. In this procedure, a physician or other qualified health care professional reviews the continuous EEG data, focusing on recorded events and analyzing the computer-generated spike and seizure detections. The goal is to identify abnormal brain wave patterns that may indicate neurological conditions such as epilepsy, seizure disorders, or other encephalopathies. The procedure does not involve video monitoring, meaning the analysis relies solely on the electrical activity recorded from the brain. The physician evaluates the recording for background rhythms, focal or generalized slowing, interictal epileptiform discharges, and electrographic seizures. Following the detailed review and analysis of the entire 2 to 12 hour recording period, the provider formulates a comprehensive interpretation and report that correlates the electrophysiological findings with the patient's clinical presentation, aiding in accurate diagnosis and subsequent management planning. This code strictly accounts for the professional work of review, interpretation, and reporting, distinct from the technical setup and monitoring of the continuous EEG study.

Clinical Indications

  • Evaluation of unprovoked seizures or suspected epilepsy.
  • Assessment of patients with altered mental status or unexplained encephalopathy.
  • Monitoring of patients to rule out nonconvulsive status epilepticus.
  • Evaluation of transient ischemic attacks or syncope with suspected neurological origin.
  • Follow-up evaluation to determine the efficacy of anti-seizure medication.

Procedure Steps

  1. The physician accesses the continuous EEG recording data spanning 2 to 12 hours.
  2. The physician reviews the computer-assisted spike and seizure detection logs to identify significant electrical events.
  3. The provider visually analyzes the raw EEG tracings to confirm or dismiss the automated detections.
  4. The background rhythm, symmetry, and any focal or generalized slowing are evaluated.
  5. The physician documents the presence, frequency, and duration of any epileptiform discharges or electrographic seizures.
  6. A comprehensive report is generated, interpreting the findings in the context of the patient's clinical history.
  7. The report is finalized and signed by the interpreting physician.

Coding Guidelines

  • Report 95717 for 2 to 12 hours of continuous EEG recording without video.
  • Do not report 95717 in conjunction with 95718 for the same recording period.
  • This code represents the professional interpretation only; technical components are reported separately.
  • A minimum of 2 hours of continuous EEG recording is required to report this code.
  • If the recording includes continuous video, use the appropriate video-EEG code instead of 95717.
  • Do not use 95717 for routine, awake, and asleep EEGs (e.g., 95812, 95813, 95816, 95819, 95822).

Associated ICD-10 Codes