Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question: I’m new to neurology coding and need some clarification on reporting EMGs. Do I need a modifier when I code 95912 and 95886 together? 

Montana Subscriber 

Answer: No, a modifier is not necessary. According to coding guidelines, you can report one CPT® code from the diagnostic nerve conduction study code group: 95907-95913 (Nerve conduction studies …) in conjunction with the codes for electromyography (EMG) studies performed on the same day as nerve conduction testing. The applicable EMG codes are: 

• +95885 (Needle electromyography, each extremity, with related paraspinal areas, when performed, done with nerve conduction, amplitude and latency/velocity study; limited [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) 
• +95886 (…complete, five or more muscles studied, innervated by three or more nerves or four or more spinal levels [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]), 
• +95887 (Needle electromyography, non-extremity [cranial nerve supplied or axial] muscle[s] done with nerve conduction, amplitude and latency/velocity study [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]). 

Note that the above EMG procedures are add-on codes, so you must submit +95885-+95887 in conjunction with one of the nerve conduction study codes.  For EMG diagnostic studies performed without nerve conduction studies, review the 95860-95870 code range.