CPT® Code 95864

Needle electromyography (EMG) is a specialized diagnostic procedure designed to assess the electrical activity of muscles in the body, particularly in the upper and lower extremities. This test is crucial for evaluating symptoms such as pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling sensations that may arise from various neuromuscular disorders. During the procedure, one or more fine needle electrodes are carefully inserted through the skin and into the muscle tissue. These electrodes are connected to a recording device that visually displays the electrical signals generated by the muscle fibers. The primary goal of the EMG is to identify any abnormal electrical activity, which can indicate underlying conditions such as muscle inflammation, nerve compression, herniated intervertebral discs, peripheral nerve injuries, muscular dystrophies, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), myasthenia gravis, and other related disorders. The test may require the patient to perform specific movements, allowing for the collection of electrical recordings while the muscle is both contracted and relaxed. The resulting data, which illustrates the action potentials of muscle fibers as waveforms, is meticulously analyzed by the physician, who subsequently prepares a comprehensive written report detailing the findings. This procedure also encompasses EMG recordings from associated paraspinal areas, providing a broader understanding of the neuromuscular function in relation to the spine.