We’ve had some disagreements about which nerves can be counted and have been told different answers. AANEM told us you can count median to second and median to fourth separate. However, CMS has told us only nerves listed with a letter (A,B,C, etc.) in Appendix J in the CPT book can be counted. The nerves under these headings with a numeral in front of them cant be counted.

I also read an article from AHIMA that seems to agree with CMS, “CPT Appendix J lists the nerves that can be tested and coded under nerve conduction study codes. The branches of each nerve are also listed, but the unit of service is limited to the nerve and not the branches.” https://newsletters.ahima.org/newsle…onduction.html

Does anyone know which is correct so we can put an end to this debate?