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Muscle testing, manual (separate procedure) with report, is a clinical evaluation technique used to assess the function and strength of specific muscles or muscle groups in the extremities (excluding the hand) or trunk. This procedure involves isolating a particular muscle or group of muscles and performing movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, or adduction while applying resistance through gravity or manual force. The patient is carefully positioned to facilitate the testing of the targeted muscle or muscle group, and stabilization may be required, which can involve the use of support devices like railings, bars, or external support belts. During the assessment, the provider instructs the patient on the required movements, which may be demonstrated to ensure understanding. The evaluation process includes passive range of motion, where the provider moves the patient through the test movements to assess range of motion, weakness, or instability. Following this, the patient actively performs the movements against resistance to evaluate muscle strength. The provider documents the findings in a written report, which may include quantification of muscle function and strength using a standardized grading system, such as the Medical Research Council's Manual Muscle Testing Grades. This code, 95831, is specifically designated for muscle testing of the trunk or extremities, excluding the hand, while other codes are available for testing the hand or total body evaluations.
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