Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Here’s where to find what you need for NCS and needle EMG.

Neurologists use neuromuscular electrodiagnostic tests to evaluate patients who may have nerve damage. These specialized tests measure the electrical activity of the muscles and nerves and detect abnormalities of the peripheral nervous system (such as nerves outside the brain and spinal cord). 

Several conditions, including diabetes (250.x) and carpal tunnel syndrome (354.0), can cause peripheral nerve damage. Two common electrodiagnostic tests to assess nerve damage are nerve conduction studies (NCS) and needle electromyography tests (EMG).The code ranges you choose from for NCS and needle EMG are: 

• 95907-95913 (Nerve conduction studies …), which are distinguished by the number of studies performed 
• 95860-95887 (Needle electromyography …), which focus on the number of extremities tested, and anatomic site, and whether the physician performed other tests in conjunction with the EMG.