Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question: Can I use +95920 with EMGs?  Illinois Subscriber Answer: You can use several of the electromyography (EMG) diagnostic study codes as the parent code to the add-on intraoperative monitoring (IOM) code +95920 (Intraoperative neurophysiology testing, per hour [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]). The EMG codes include: - 95860 -- Needle electromyography; one extremity with or without related paraspinal areas - 95861 -- ... two extremities with or without related paraspinal areas - 95867 -- ... cranial nerve supplied muscle(s), unilateral - 95868 -- ... cranial nerve supplied muscles(s), bilateral - 95870 -- ... limited study of muscles in one extremity or non-limb (axial) muscles (unilateral or bilateral), other than thoracic paraspinal, cranial nerve supplied muscles, or sphincters. Choose the "parent" code to report the baseline diagnostic study performed just prior to the surgical procedure and intra-operative monitoring. Many payers, including Medicare, have policies regarding IOM, so checking for any documentation, coding, and billing requirements is best. -- Clinical and coding expertise for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions reviewed by Marvel J. Hammer, RN, CPC, CCS-P, ACS-PM, CHCO, owner of MJH Consulting in Denver.