Medicare Benefits Schedule - Note DN.1.32

Nerve conduction studies and/or EMG should not be used in the following indications/situations. In some of these situations these tests would be of relatively low diagnostic value, while in others it would be more appropriate to refer the patient for alternative investigations first (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] in mild radiculopathy)

 - Muscle pain in the absence of other abnormalities on examination or laboratory testing

 - A four limb needle EMG/nerve conduction study for neck and back pain after trauma

 - EMG for low back pain without leg pain or sciatica.

Related Items: 11012 11015 11018

• Previous - Note DN.1.31
• Next - Note DN.1.33

NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRODIAGNOSIS  conduction studies on 1 nerve OR ELECTROMYOGRAPHY of 1 or more muscles using concentric needle electrodes OR both these examinations (not being a service associated with a service to which item 11015 or 11018 applies)

Fee: $123.25 Benefit: 75% = $92.45 85% = $104.80

(See para DN.1.3, DN.1.32 of explanatory notes to this Category)

NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRODIAGNOSIS  conduction studies on 2 or 3 nerves with or without electromyography (not being a service associated with a service to which item 11012 or 11018 applies)

Fee: $165.00 Benefit: 75% = $123.75 85% = $140.25

(See para DN.1.32 of explanatory notes to this Category)

NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRODIAGNOSIS  conduction studies on 4 or more nerves with or without electromyography OR recordings from single fibres of nerves and muscles OR both of these examinations (not being a service associated with a service to which item 11012 or 11015 applies)

Fee: $246.55 Benefit: 75% = $184.95 85% = $209.60

(See para DN.1.32 of explanatory notes to this Category)