95971 vs 95972

can you please explain the difference between 95971 and 95972? They state 71 one is simple reprogramming and the 72 is complex yet no one seems to know the difference. What parameters do we use to differentiate. Thanks

re: 95971 vs 95972

per the Coders desk reference, the differnece in the two codes are:

95971- A simple spinal cord or peripheral device is tested. A simle device affects only three or fewer of the following, pulse ampitude, pulse duration, pulse frequency, eight or more electrode contacts, cycling, stimulatin train duraton train spacing, number of programs, number of channels, phase angle....etc.

95972- is a more complex spinal cord or peripheral device is tested. a complex device afects more than three of the following(see above) pulse ampitude, pulse duration, pulse freqenct....etc

hope this helps. I highy recommend getting the Coders Desk Reference, it gives you a more detailed explanation of the CPT® codes than the CPT® book does.

re: 95971 vs 95972

thank you