Intraoperative Neurophysiological Testing

Intraoperative neurophysiological testing is covered for a broad set of surgeries that pose risk to the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, or major vascular structures (e.g., aortic or carotid procedures), and for procedures such as tumor resections, spinal instrumentation, AVM/aneurysm surgery, and deep brain stimulation. Coverage requires an operating surgeon request, performance by a qualified non‑operating physician with a credentialed technologist in continuous attendance (hospital setting preferred), adherence to technical requirements (>=8 channels, >=16 if EEG, required modalities), and appropriate documentation; remote monitoring is allowed only with real‑time access and communication. Physicians may monitor up to three simultaneous cases unless undivided attention is required, in which case billing must be limited to that single case.

"Intraoperative neurophysiological testing is covered for surgery on the aortic arch, its branch vessels, thoracic aorta, or internal carotid artery when there is risk of cerebral ischemia."