Neurology Billing For EMG And Nerve Conduction Studies

Nerve Conduction Studies

Nerve conduction studies are reported with a single code from 95907 to 95913, chosen by the total number of studies performed in the session, from one to two studies up to thirteen or more. Each motor study (with or without an F-wave), each sensory study and each H-reflex study counts as one study.

Needle EMG

When needle EMG is performed in the same session as nerve conduction studies, it is reported with add-on codes: 95885 for a limited study of an extremity, 95886 for a complete study of an extremity, and 95887 for non-extremity muscles. Needle EMG performed without nerve conduction studies is reported with 95860 to 95864 (one to four extremities) or 95870 for limited muscles.

Documentation

• The clinical reason for testing and the working diagnosis
• A table of each nerve studied with latency, amplitude and velocity
• The muscles examined by needle EMG and the findings
• An interpretation and report signed by the interpreting physician

Qualifications And Policy

Several MACs have LCDs for nerve conduction studies and electromyography that address who may perform and interpret the tests, the expected number of studies for common diagnoses, and testing frequency. Studies beyond what the diagnosis typically requires need documented justification.