Why refer your patients to a physician who specializes in electrodiagnostic medicine?
Electrodiagnostic physicians are specially trained in electrodiagnostic procedures. The knowledge and expertise that this specialized medical training provides allows the physician to consider appropriate differential diagnoses in planning and performing an EMG/NCS examination. Therefore, the physician is able to establish an appropriate diagnosis for the patient, determine how severe the problem is, identify the prognoses and help you to properly manage care for your patient.
When is it appropriate to refer a patient to an electrodiagnostic physician?
There are many problems in which the electrodiagnostic medicine consultation can be especially helpful, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar palsy, foot drop, and lumbar and cervical radiculopathy. Symptoms such as weakness, numbness, tingling and burning sensation can be evaluated for specific etiologies, like motor neuron disease, myasthenia gravis or a number of specialized neuropathies.
What type of information does the electrodiagnostic test provide?
The EMG/NCS test evaluates the patient's nerve and muscle function and is a direct extension of the clinical neuromuscular examination. It will provide you with information in the evaluation of motor and sensory neurons, nerve roots, brachial and lumbar plexi, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction, and muscles.
What types of electrodiagnostic tests will be performed?
Dr. Tashjian performs both a nerve conduction study (NCS) and a needle electromyography examination (EMG). Small electrical stimuli are used to study the peripheral nerve system. During the EMG examination, narrow-gauge sterile needle electrodes are used to study nerve and muscle response. There may be some discomfort but most patients tolerate the procedure very well. NCS testing should be performed either by a physician or a trained technologist under the supervision of a physician. EMG testing should always be performed by an electrodiagnostic physician. The results of the EMG/NCS test may indicate that further testing or diagnostic studies are recommended.
Procedure and Diagnosis Codes
For Provider reference we have listed all commonly used procedure codes and diagnosis codes. Please call with any questions when entering insurance referrals.
| Procedure Codes | |
|---|---|
| 95887 | EMG of One Extremity with Related Paraspinals |
| 95886 | EMG of Two Extremities with Related Paraspinals |
| 95863 | EMG of Three Extremities with Related Paraspinals |
| 95864 | EMG of Four Extremities with Related Paraspinals |
| 95907 | 1 - 2 Nerve Conduction Studies |
| 95908 | 3 - 4 Nerve Conduction Studies |
| 95909 | 5 - 6 Nerve Conduction Studies |
| 95910 | 7 - 8 Nerve Conduction Studies |
| 95911 | 9 - 10 Nerve Conduction Studies |
| 95912 | 11 - 12 Nerve Conduction Studies |
| 95913 | 13 - 14 Nerve Conduction Studies |
| Diagnosis Codes | |
|---|---|
| R20.8 | Numbness/Tingling Sensation |
| M79.601 | Extremity Pain - Right Arm |
| M79.602 | Extremity Pain - Left Arm |
| M79.604 | Extremity Pain - Right Leg |
| M79.605 | Extremity Pain - Left Leg |
| R53.1 | Muscle Weakness |
| G56.00 | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome |
| G56.01 | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Right |
| G56.02 | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Left |
| G56.21 | Ulnar Neuropathy - Right |
| G56.22 | Ulnar Neuropathy - Left |
| M54.12 | Cervical Radiculopathy |
| G56.31 | Radial Nerve Palsy - Right |
| G56.32 | Radial Nerve Palsy - Left |
| G54.0 | Brachial Plexopathy |
| G57.51 | Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome - Right |
| G57.52 | Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome - Left |
| G58.9 | Entrapment Neuropathy |
| G60.3 | Idiopathic Neuropathy |
| E10.40 | Diabetic Neuropathy - Type 1 |
| E11.40 | Diabetic Neuropathy - Type 2 |
| G62.9 | Peripheral Neuropathy |
| M54.16 | Lumbar Radiculopathy |