CPT 96136 Neuropsychological Testing

How Much Does Psycl/nrpsyc Tst Physician/qualified Health Professional Initial Cost?

Also known as: Psycl/nrpsyc tst phy/qhp 1st (CPT 96136)

Psychological testing administered and interpreted by a psychologist, involving the first hour of face-to-face testing time.

Psycl/nrpsyc Tst Physician/qualified Health Professional Initial (CPT 96136) costs $21 at Medicare rates.

Medicare (Facility)
$21
CMS PFS 2026 national rate
Medicare Physician Fee (Office/Clinic)
$44
Non-facility setting

Patient Guide: Psycl/nrpsyc Tst Physician/qualified Health Professional Initial

What you need to know before your appointment

What to Expect

A psychologist will administer structured tests that may include questionnaires, puzzles, memory tasks, and problem-solving exercises. These tests help evaluate your cognitive abilities, personality, and emotional functioning.

How Long Does It Take?

First hour of testing (total testing may take 4-8 hours across sessions)

Common Reasons Doctors Order This

ADHD evaluation, learning disability assessment, cognitive evaluation, personality assessment, disability determination, forensic evaluation

How to Prepare

Get a good night sleep. Eat breakfast. Bring glasses or hearing aids if needed. There are no right or wrong answers on many of these tests.

Procedures Commonly Done Together

These procedures are frequently performed alongside Psycl/nrpsyc tst phy/qhp 1st

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How to Reduce Your Cost for Psycl/nrpsyc tst phy/qhp 1st

Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars

  • 1
    Ask about cash-pay discounts

    Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.

  • 2
    Compare facility vs. office setting costs

    For this procedure, the office rate ($44) differs from the facility rate ($21). Ask if it can be done in an office setting.

  • 3
    Shop around — costs vary significantly

    Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.

How is the Price Calculated?

Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.

0.55
Work RVU
0.07
Practice Expense RVU
0.02
Malpractice RVU
1.31
Total RVU

Payment = Total RVU (1.31) x CF ($33.40) = $44

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Psycl/nrpsyc tst phy/qhp 1st cost?

The Medicare facility rate for Psycl/nrpsyc tst phy/qhp 1st is $21. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).

How much does Psycl/nrpsyc tst phy/qhp 1st cost without insurance?

Without insurance, the cost of Psycl/nrpsyc tst phy/qhp 1st can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.

Does insurance cover Psycl/nrpsyc tst phy/qhp 1st?

Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Psycl/nrpsyc tst phy/qhp 1st when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.

Why does the cost vary so much by location?

Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.

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