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Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

How to Handle EMG 'Hard Copy' Requests From Payers

Published on Tue Sep 09, 2003

You should fight payer requests to provide so-called "hard-copy" results of electromyographic (EMG) testing as unreasonable and unnecessary.
 
The American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AAEM) has taken a position against payer requirements for hard-copy results, reasoning that "Needle EMG studies are interpreted in real time, as they are being performed. Most electromyographic machines are unable to permanently copy the sounds produced during needle EMG testing. Also, it is difficult and expensive to permanently copy needle EMG oscilloscope tracings. For this reason, these tracings should not be required." And, the association reasons that such recordings would add no useful information to EMG claims.
 
If your insurer requires a hard copy of EMG reports, challenge the decision. Cite the AAEM's position statement (http://www.aaem.net/aaem/PracticeIssues/PositionStatements/positionstatements.cfm) as evidence that such reports are unnecessary. If this fails, you should appeal to the insurer's medical director.
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