Originally published February 7, 2018. Payer rules change; confirm current CMS and payer requirements before billing.
A fetal non-stress test (NST), CPT 59025, is a noninvasive test that monitors the fetal heart rate in pregnant patients. A nurse records the baby's heartbeat while the baby is resting and while it is moving. The test usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. Not every pregnant patient needs an NST.
Common reasons for the test
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Small baby or baby not growing properly
- Decreased fetal movement
- Following an amniocentesis
- Pregnancy past the due date
NSTs are usually done once or twice a week, often on the same day as the patient's office visit.