CPT® Code 95868

Needle electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure utilized to assess the functionality of muscles and nerves that are innervated by cranial nerves. This procedure specifically targets the muscles supplied by various cranial nerves, which include the Oculomotor nerve (CN III), Trochlear nerve (CN IV), Trigeminal nerve (CN V), Abducens nerve (CN VI), Facial nerve (CN VII), Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), Vagus nerve (CN X), Spinal accessory nerve (CN XI), and Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII). During the EMG, a specialized needle electrode is inserted through the skin and into the muscle of interest, allowing for the measurement of electrical activity. The electrical responses generated by the muscle are recorded and analyzed. Following the procedure, the physician interprets the EMG data and compiles a comprehensive written report detailing the findings. It is important to note that when the EMG is conducted on one of the paired cranial nerves on a single side of the body, the appropriate code to use is 95867. Conversely, when both paired cranial nerves are evaluated, the correct code is 95868.