Full breakdown of the psychological and neuropsychological testing code hierarchy — 96130, 96131, 96132, 96133, 96136–96139, and 96146 — with billing examples.

Psychological testing billing uses a specific hierarchy of CPT codes — 96130 through 96146 — that was substantially restructured in 2019. Understanding the code hierarchy, who can bill which codes, and how to calculate units is essential for psychologists and neuropsychologists billing evaluation services.

The Testing Code Hierarchy: An Overview

The psychological and neuropsychological testing codes are organized into two functional categories: evaluation and interpretation (performed by the qualified health care professional, or QHP) and test administration and scoring (which can be delegated to a technician). Each category has an initial-hour code and an "each additional hour" add-on code.

Psychological Testing — QHP Evaluation and Interpretation

96130 — Psychological testing evaluation services by QHP, including integration of patient data, interpretation of standardized test results, clinical decision-making, treatment planning and report, first hour. This is the primary evaluation code — it covers the psychologist's time reviewing records, integrating findings, interpreting results, and writing the report.
96131 — Each additional hour. Append for each additional hour (or fraction thereof meeting time threshold) beyond the first hour of evaluation and interpretation time. This is an add-on code billed alongside 96130.

Neuropsychological Testing — QHP Evaluation and Interpretation

96132 — Neuropsychological testing evaluation services by QHP, including integration of patient data, interpretation of standardized test results and clinical decision-making, treatment planning and report, first hour. Structured identically to 96130 but for neuropsychological evaluations.
96133 — Each additional hour. Add-on code for additional evaluation and interpretation time beyond the first hour.

Test Administration and Scoring — By QHP

96136 — Psychological or neuropsychological test administration and scoring by QHP, first 30 minutes. Used when the psychologist (not a technician) personally administers and scores the tests.
96137 — Each additional 30 minutes. Add-on for additional administration/scoring time by QHP.

Test Administration and Scoring — By Technician

96138 — Psychological or neuropsychological test administration and scoring by technician, first 30 minutes. Used when a supervised technician (e.g., a psychometrist) administers and scores under the QHP's supervision.
96139 — Each additional 30 minutes by technician. Add-on code.

Automated Testing Codes

96146 — Psychological or neuropsychological test administration, with automated results only, 30 minutes or less. Used for computer-administered, computer-scored tests that do not require technician administration (e.g., computerized cognitive batteries, symptom checklists administered and scored automatically). This is a per-test-administration code, not an hourly code.

How to Build a Testing Bill: A Practical Example

A typical comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation might look like this:

3 hours of technician-administered testing → 96138 + 96139 × 4 (five 30-minute units total)
2 hours of QHP evaluation and interpretation → 96132 + 96133 × 1
Automated computerized test battery → 96146

The QHP codes (96130/96132) and technician codes (96138) are billed separately and reflect distinct services. Both can be billed on the same date of service.

Who Can Bill Testing Codes

The evaluation and interpretation codes (96130, 96131, 96132, 96133) must be billed by a qualified health care professional — in practice, a licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist. Other licensed providers (LCSWs, LPCs) generally cannot bill the 96130 series, though policies vary by payer.

Technician codes (96138, 96139) are billed under the supervising QHP's NPI, not the technician's. The supervising psychologist must be available during administration and review the results.

ICD-10 Codes Commonly Paired With Psychological Testing

The reason for the evaluation drives the ICD-10 code. Common pairings:

F90.0–F90.9 — ADHD. One of the most common referral reasons for psychological testing.
F70–F79 — Intellectual disability. Cognitive testing to establish or rule out intellectual disability.
F80–F89 — Pervasive developmental disorders / autism spectrum. Diagnostic evaluations for autism.
F32.x — Major depressive disorder. Personality testing and differential diagnosis evaluations.
R41.3 — Other amnesia. Often listed as the presenting complaint for neuropsychological memory evaluations.
G31.84 — Mild cognitive impairment, so stated. Common for geriatric neuropsychological evaluations.

Prior Authorization for Psychological Testing

Psychological and neuropsychological testing almost always requires prior authorization. The authorization request should include the clinical indication, estimated testing hours, specific tests planned, and the qualifications of the evaluator. Many insurers have coverage policies limiting the frequency of full evaluations (e.g., once per three years for neuropsychological testing).

Out-of-Network Testing and Superbills

Many psychologists who conduct evaluations operate out-of-network. Clients and families can submit superbills listing the testing CPT codes (96130–96146) along with the referral diagnosis to their insurer for OON reimbursement. Superbilled supports generation of superbills for testing evaluations, correctly capturing multiple CPT codes, hours billed, and ICD-10 diagnoses — so clients can pursue out-of-network reimbursement with a properly formatted document.

Psychological Testing Billing: CPT Codes 96130–96146 Guide