Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert
Don't Change Your Coding Approach for Free-Running EMG Test
Question: What are the correct codes for interpretation of an intraoperative, free running EMG and pedicle screw stimulation? Is there a code we can report for online monitoring when the neurologist monitored the patient from outside the operating room?
Minnesota Subscriber
Answer: For pedicle screw stimulation, the provider performing the intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring is usually evaluating free-run and triggered electromyography. CPT® does not list separate codes for a free running EMG. Simply report one of the standard EMG codes, such as 95861 (Needle electromyography; 2 extremities with or without related paraspinal areas) or 95870 (... limited study of muscles in 1 extremity or non-limb [axial] muscles [unilateral or bilateral], other than thoracic paraspinal, cranial nerve supplied muscles, or sphincters). The electromyography code you report would include both the free-running EMG and pedicle screw stimulation.
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