CPT 2026 · Psych Testing

CPT 96121

Global ZZZ Active

Nubhvl xm phy/qhp ea addl hr

Effective 2026-04-01 Conv. factor $33.4009
$77.39
National Avg (Non-Fac)
2.26
Total RVU
10
NCCI Partners
109
MPFS Localities

CPT 96121 Billing & Documentation Guide

CPT code 96121 (Nubhvl xm phy/qhp ea addl hr) is classified under Psych Testing with a global period indicator of ZZZ. The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule assigns a work RVU of 1.71, a non-facility practice expense RVU of 0.54, and a malpractice RVU of 0.01, a total non-facility RVU of 2.26 and facility RVU of 1.84. With the current conversion factor of $33.4009, the national average non-facility reimbursement is approximately $77.39, though rates vary from $72.78 to $105.07 based on MAC locality and Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs).

When billing 96121, ensure documentation supports medical necessity and the specific components required for the code's level of service. For E/M codes, document MDM (medical decision-making) elements: problems addressed, data reviewed, and risk. For procedural codes, document the indication, technique, and any complications. Always verify NCCI edits before bundling 96121 with related codes; this code has 10 PTP bundling relationships on file (see table below).

Payment Status & Global Period

CMS Status Indicator
A

Active code (paid under MPFS)

Global Period
ZZZ

Add-on code (global concept does not apply)

MUE Limit (Medically Unlikely Edits)

Max units per beneficiary per date of service
3
Rationale: Nature of Service/Procedure
Adjudication: Date of Service (Clinical)
Source: CMS NCCI MUE Practitioner Services, effective 2026-04-01.

Submitting more than 3 units of 96121 for the same patient on the same date triggers automatic line denial unless an appropriate modifier and supporting documentation justify the higher quantity.

RVU Breakdown, CPT 96121

Component Non-Facility Facility
Work RVU1.711.71
Practice Expense RVU0.540.12
Malpractice RVU0.010.01
Total RVU2.261.84
Conversion Factor$33.4009

2026 Medicare Reimbursement by State, CPT 96121

State-level averages across all MAC localities. Non-facility rates typically apply to office-based services; facility rates apply to hospital outpatient / inpatient.

State Non-Facility Facility Range (Non-Fac) Localities
California $80.68 $64.09 $78.03 - $89.59 29
Florida $75.86 $61.79 $74.86 - $76.74 3
Georgia $74.81 $61.43 $73.6 - $76.01 2
Illinois $75.38 $61.83 $74.1 - $76.63 4
Michigan $74.52 $61.35 $73.96 - $75.08 2
North Carolina $74.16 $61.07 $74.16 - $74.16 1
New York $80.4 $64.75 $74.49 - $82.84 5
Ohio $73.92 $61.11 $73.92 - $73.92 1
Pennsylvania $75.66 $61.91 $73.99 - $77.32 2
Texas $75.5 $61.69 $73.84 - $76.61 8

Source: CMS PFSRVU 2026 · Updated 2026-04-01. Full locality-level detail available for all 53 states, contact us for custom reports.

NCCI Bundling Edits, CPT 96121

Procedure-to-procedure (PTP) edits. If you bill any of these codes with 96121 on the same date of service, review the modifier indicator and payer policy before submission.

Partner Code Relationship Modifier Allowed Rationale
0362T Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier No CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction
0373T Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier No CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction
0820T Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier No CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction
36591 Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier No CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction
36592 Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier No CPT Manual or CMS manual coding instruction
96105 Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier Yes More extensive procedure
96110 Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier Yes More extensive procedure
96112 Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier Yes More extensive procedure
96113 Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier Yes More extensive procedure
96125 Column 1 (primary), can be billed with modifier Yes Misuse of Column Two code with Column One code

Frequently Asked Questions, CPT 96121

What does CPT code 96121 mean? +

CPT code 96121 represents: Nubhvl xm phy/qhp ea addl hr. It's in the Psych Testing category with a global period of ZZZ.

What is the Medicare reimbursement for CPT 96121? +

The 2026 Medicare national average non-facility payment for CPT 96121 is $77.39. Rates range from $72.78 to $105.07 across 53 states depending on MAC locality and GPCIs.

What modifiers can I use with CPT 96121? +

Medicine section spans a wide range: therapy services use GP/GO/GN (PT/OT/SLP plans of care) and KX (above cap with documentation). Drug administration uses JW (waste) and JZ (no waste). Professional/technical split applies to some diagnostic codes.

What bundling edits apply to CPT 96121? +

This code has 10 NCCI PTP bundling relationships. See the NCCI Bundling section below for full list.

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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team

Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.

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