Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert
Find 2 Codes for Cranial Nerve EMGs
Question: How should I report an EMG study of muscles supplied by the cranial nerve?
Michigan Subscriber
Answer: You-ll find two codes that describe an EMG study of muscles supplied by the cranial nerve, either unilaterally or bilaterally:
- 95867--Needle electromyography; cranial nerve supplied muscle(s), unilateral
- 95868--... cranial nerve supplied muscles, bilateral.
Heads up: Because a bilateral procedure includes a unilateral procedure, don't make the mistake of reporting 95867 and 95868 at the same time. Also, don't attach modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) to either 95867 (because a bilateral code already exists) or 95868 (because it already specifies -bilateral-).
Important: Because you-re in Michigan, you-ll have to make sure a licensed physician performs the needle EMG and any interpretation of nerve conduction studies. According to the American Association of Neuro-muscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM), Michigan is the first state to pass this patient-safety legislation.
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