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Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Regular EMG Codes Apply to Free Running Test

Published on Thu Oct 13, 2011

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? North Dakota 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 reported would include both the free-running EMG and pedicle screw stimulation. CPT® does include a code for intraoperative monitoring (IOM) time: +95920 (Intraoperative neurophysiology testing, per hour [...]
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