Psychological Testing Billing Codes: 96130-96146 Explained
Psychological testing billing codes are the CPT codes psychologists use to report testing and the evaluation work around it, mainly 96130 through 96139 and 96146. The key is to separate the time spent giving and scoring tests from the time spent interpreting and reporting. Our CPT code guide covers the wider set of mental health codes.
The psychological testing billing codes in plain words
Psychological Testing codes fall into two groups: evaluation codes and administration-and-scoring codes. Each group has a first-unit code and an add-on for extra time. The summary below follows the American Psychological Association’s January 2019 Monitor article (checked 10/23/26). CPT descriptors belong to the American Medical Association, so this table is in our own words.
| Codes | What they report | Time unit |
|---|---|---|
| 96130, 96131 | Psychologist’s psychological testing evaluation: first hour, then each added hour | 1 hour |
| 96132, 96133 | Neuropsychological evaluation: first hour, then each added hour | 1 hour |
| 96136, 96137 | Test administration and scoring by the psychologist, two or more tests | 30 minutes |
| 96138, 96139 | Test administration and scoring by a technician, two or more tests | 30 minutes |
| 96146 | One automated electronic test with an automated result | Per test |
Evaluation versus test administration
Evaluation is the clinician’s thinking and reporting. That includes choosing tests, integrating the data, interpreting results, planning treatment, and giving feedback. Administration and scoring is the hands-on delivery of the tests. APA says 96146 should not be used when two or more electronic tests are given or when a professional or technician administers the test.
The add-on codes always travel with their first-unit code. Carelon Behavioral Health says to bill both on the same claim for the same patient and date, and to use the date testing concluded when it spans several days (Carelon notice, checked 10/23/26).
Do psychiatrists bill psychological testing codes?
Rarely. Testing is mainly a psychologist and neuropsychologist service, and most psychiatry practices bill E/M visits with psychotherapy add-on codes instead, which our psychotherapy add-on code guide explains. A Medicare contractor article does list physicians among qualified practitioners when testing is within their scope. For brief screening tools, see our CPT 96127 billing brief.
Payer rules: Medicare and private plans
Coverage, authorization, and unit limits for psychological testing billing codes depend on the payer, so verify before you test. Keep Medicare and private plans separate in your head and in your notes.
Medicare
Each Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) publishes its own policy. Wisconsin Physicians Service’s LCD L34646 and its billing article A57481 (revised 10/31/24, checked 10/23/26) say testing must inform diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment planning, and the record must show why each test was done. Technicians need direct supervision. The MAC may ask for justification when testing runs past eight hours. Screening tools and repeat testing that will not change care are not covered under that policy. Your own MAC may differ, so look up its policy in the Medicare Coverage Database. See our Medicare behavioral health billing guide too.
Private plans
Some private plans require Prior Authorization for testing, and units vary. Carelon says authorization is needed before testing and that a missing authorization is a common denial reason. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s commercial authorization form (03/26 edition, checked 10/23/26) asks you to name each test and request 30-minute units, and says educational testing is generally not covered. Blue plans are independent licensees, so do not assume another Blue plan uses the same form.
Medicaid
Medicaid rules vary by state and plan. We do not list them here, so check your state Medicaid manual and the managed care plan’s policy.
Before you bill: a five-step check
- Confirm whether the payer requires authorization, and which codes and units it approved.
- Document the referral question, the tests given, time per test, scoring, and interpretation.
- Report evaluation and administration codes separately, each with its own units.
- Bill with the date testing concluded when the payer asks for it.
- Check the denial reason fast if a claim fails. Our guide to missing prior authorization denials shows how to prevent them.
For related codes, browse the non-E/M CPT code guide.
How MCM South helps
MCM South Medical Billing Service works only with mental and behavioral health practices, including psychotherapists and psychiatrists. We help check authorization requirements and match your documentation to the units on the claim. Read more in our guides to medical billing for psychologists and psychology billing services.
Psychological testing billing codes: the short version
The short version of psychological testing billing codes: report evaluation and administration on separate lines, verify authorization, and document time. Keep a one-page chart of psychological testing billing codes by payer so new staff do not guess. Review psychological testing billing codes whenever a payer updates its policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 96130 and 96136?
96130 reports the psychologist’s evaluation of testing, such as interpretation and reporting. 96136 reports administering and scoring the tests. They are separate services with separate units.
When should I use 96146?
Use it for one automated electronic test that produces an automated result. APA says not to use it when two or more electronic tests are given or when a professional or technician administers the test.
Do I need prior authorization for testing?
Often, but it varies by payer and plan. Carelon and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee both publish authorization steps for testing, so check the payer’s current policy. See our [[/claim-denial-missing-prior-authorization/|prior authorization denial guide]].
Can a psychiatrist bill these codes?
Rarely in practice. Most psychiatry practices bill E/M visits with psychotherapy add-on codes. A psychiatrist who offers testing follows the same payer rules.
Where MCM South works
MCM South works only in mental and behavioral health. We serve psychotherapists and psychiatrists in solo and medium-size practices across ten currently served states: Georgia, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Texas, Florida, New York, Colorado, Tennessee, North Carolina and Illinois. Need a payer contact? Use our insurance companies contact directory.
