Summary & Overview
CPT 95718: Continuous EEG with Video for Spike and Seizure Analysis
CPT code 95718 denotes the professional review and interpretation of continuous electroencephalography (EEG) recordings lasting 2 to 12 hours with synchronous video focused on spike and seizure detection. This code captures time-limited, diagnostic EEG interpretation that supports seizure identification, monitoring of epileptiform activity, and clinical decision-making in neurology and epilepsy care. Nationally, accurate coding for prolonged EEGs affects care continuity for patients with seizures and has implications for coverage, utilization tracking, and neurodiagnostic service capacity.
Key payers relevant to this code include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise briefing on the clinical context for prolonged EEG-video monitoring, payer coverage considerations, and what to expect in reporting and billing practice. The publication provides benchmarks and coding context, highlights common clinical scenarios that prompt use of CPT code 95718, and summarizes policy-relevant points affecting reimbursement and documentation. Data not provided in the input are noted as unavailable where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 95718 describes a physician or other qualified healthcare professional review and analysis of continuous electroencephalography (EEG) recordings focused on spike and seizure detection. The service covers interpretation of an EEG recording lasting 2 to 12 hours with an accompanying video and preparation of a formal report.
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Service type: Interpretation and analysis of prolonged continuous EEG with video
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Typical site of service: Inpatient hospital units, inpatient observation, and outpatient epilepsy monitoring units where prolonged EEG with video recording is performed
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 28-year-old patient with frequent, unexplained spells of altered awareness and suspected focal seizures is admitted for inpatient video-electroencephalography monitoring. Scalp electrodes are placed and continuous EEG with synchronized video is recorded for 8 hours to capture interictal epileptiform discharges and any clinical events. A neurologist or qualified health care professional later reviews the continuous recording, analyzes spike and seizure detection, correlates EEG events with the video, interprets the findings, and prepares a formal report documenting electrographic seizures, localization data, and recommendations for further evaluation.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | When billing only the interpreting physician's professional work separate from technical recording (if facility bills the technical component). |
TC | Technical component | When billing only the technical component (EEG setup, recording, video) and the provider is not reporting the interpretation. |