MedStar Health, Inc. POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL SUBJECT: Nerve Conduction Velocity Studies/Electrodiagnostic INDEX TITLE: Studies/Neuromuscular Medical Management Junction Testing ORIGINAL DATE: March 2007 POLICY NUMBER: PAY.043.MH PAGE NUMBER: 1 of 10 This policy applies to the following lines of business: (Check those that apply.) COMMERCIAL CMS-MA MedStar Select ( X ) MedStar Medicare Choice ( X ) I. POLICY It is the policy of MedStar Health, Inc. to recognize Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Studies/Electrodiagnostic Studies/Neuromuscular Junction Testing as appropriate and consistent with good medical practice when medically necessary and when performed according to clinical indications described below. These studies will be covered when conducted according to the standards established by MedStar Health, Inc., and the member s specific benefit plan. MedStar Health, Inc. considers NCV studies performed on portable devices such as the NC-Stat machine to be experimental/investigational (see Limitations section under nerve conduction studies - NCS). II. DEFINITIONS Electromyography A test that measures electrical properties of muscle at rest and during contraction often to evaluate muscle weakness. It is usually combined with nerve conduction studies that measure sensory and motor nerve function. III. PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to define the appropriate use of Nerve Conduction Velocity Studies/Electrodiagnostic Studies/Neuromuscular Junction Testing to detect motor and sensory functions of a nerve.
PAGE NUMBER: 2 of 10 IV. SCOPE This policy applies to various MedStar Health, Inc. departments as indicated by the Benefit and Reimbursement Committee. These include but are not limited to: Medical Management, Benefit Configuration and Claims Departments. V. PROCEDURE A. Medical Description I. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are examples of electrodiagnostic studies that are used to detect both motor and sensory function of the peripheral nervous system. With this technique, nerve conduction velocities are measured between two sites of stimulation, or between a stimulus and a recording site. NCV studies are a form of NCS, and are typically performed together with EMG. Because EMG and NCV go hand-in- hand, the term EMG is often used to encompass NCS/NCV also. The NCV study is often used to help diagnose nerve disorders, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or as a follow-up to an existing condition. NCV studies are primarily of three types: motor, sensory and mixed, and are performed by stimulation of the nerve, usually with surface electrodes. These electrodes are used to stimulate the nerve or record the impulse. The distance between electrodes and the time it takes for the electrical impulses to travel between electrodes is used to calculate the nerve conduction velocity. NCV also helps to detect the presence, location and extent of diseases that damage muscle tissue (such as muscular dystrophy) or nerves (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).when damage is a result of trauma, the actual site of nerve damage can be located. II. Electromyography (EMG) is the study and recording of intrinsic electrical properties of skeletal muscles. This is performed with a needle electrode. EMG testing relies on both auditory and visual feedback to the electromyographer. It is an invasive test requiring needle insertion and adjustment at multiple sites and at anatomically critical areas. As in NCS, the electromyographer depends on real-time interpretation based knowledge of the clinical diagnosis being evaluated to decide whether to continue, modify or conclude a test. This process requires a knowledge base of anatomy, physiology and neuromuscular diseases.
PAGE NUMBER: 3 of 10 III. Neuromuscular junction testing (NMJ) consists of repetitive stimulation studies used to identify disorders of the neuromuscular junction such as myasthenia gravis, Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), and/or botulism toxicity. Rarely, exposure to certain drugs such as aminoglycosides may potentiate myasthenic symptoms. The test consists of recording muscle responses to a series of nerve stimuli at variable rates, both before and at various intervals after, exercise or transmission of high- frequency stimuli. The study report should note the characteristics of the test including the rate of repetition of stimulations and any significant response. In order to characterize abnormal neuromuscular transmission, studies should be performed in up to 2 nerves. B. Indications I. NCS and NCV studies can be of help in localization of an abnormality, and in distinguishing one variety of neuropathy from another. Such distinction has diagnostic value and has a bearing on prognosis and treatment. These include, but are not limited to: Focal neuropathies or compressive lesions such as: carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathies or root lesions for localization. Traumatic nerve lesions, for diagnosis and prognosis. Diagnosis or confirmation of suspected generalized neuropathies, such as diabetic, uremic, metabolic or immune neuropathies. Repetitive nerve stimulation in the diagnosis of neuromuscular junction disorders such as myasthenia gravis, myasthenic syndrome. Often pain, paresthesia or weakness in an extremity is the reason for an NCV or EMG. These common symptoms result not only from axonal and myelin dysfunction, but also from systemic, nonneurological illnesses. EMG and NCV may help in making this distinction. Therefore, symptom- based diagnoses such as pains in limb, weakness, disturbance in skin sensation or paresthesia are acceptable, provided the clinical assessment unequivocally supports the need for a study. All of the following apply in relation to NCS and EMGs: Must be ordered by a physician: NCS should not routinely be conducted without EMGs (see exceptions below). Studies must be conducted by an appropriately certified physician or physical therapist as defined by the American
PAGE NUMBER: 4 of 10 Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) guidelines. Certified physicians using the appropriate equipment are able to make the determination as to what tests are medically necessary. The intensity and extent of testing with EMG and NCS are matters of clinical judgment developed after the initial pre-test evaluation and can later be modified during the testing procedure. Results of studies must be reflected in the medical record in order to insure payment. Physical therapists shall only be reimbursed for performing the technical component of the study. Study results must be reviewed and diagnoses rendered by a board certified neurologist, physiatrist or hand surgeon or a physician certified by the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (ABEM) or American Board of Pyschiatry and Neurology (ABPN). You can obtain the names of these ABEM- certified physicians from the ABEM directory found on their website at: www.abemexam.org. The following are circumstances when NCS maybe performed without a Needle EMG: Appropriate for acute cases of neuropathy and other nerve disorders including trauma (within 14 days of acute onset). Appropriate for the evaluation of a neuromuscular junction disorder if a needle examination was already performed within the past 60 days. (allows option of adding on repetitive stimulation in patient previously evaluated without it). In members who have contraindications to EMG s as delineated below. II. EMGs -Neurogenic disorders are distinguishable from myopathic disorders by a carefully performed EMG. Common disorders where an EMG will be helpful in diagnosis (but are not limited to): Required for evaluation of myopathy, radiculopathy (cervical, lumbosacral), motor neuron disorders. Nerve compression syndromes, including carpal tunnel syndrome and other focal compressions. Mono/polyneuropathy-metabolic, degenerative, hereditary. Myopathy - including poly/dermatomyositis, myotonic and congenital myopathies.
PAGE NUMBER: 5 of 10 Plexopathy - idiopathic, trauma, infiltration. Neuromuscular junction disorders - myasthenia gravis. Single fiber EMG is of special value here. At times prior to Botulism A toxin injection for localization. Can be considered as an option for polyneuropathy and, therefore, may be omitted in acute cases of neuropathy and other nerve disorders including trauma since EMG changes do not occur for 14-21 days. III. NMJ studies are appropriate to diagnose neuromuscular junction disorders of: Myasthenia gravis Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) Botulinum toxicity Patients in intensive care unit (ICU) settings who experience continued weakness after a critical illness which has required paralyzation for mechanical ventilation Patients with physical signs/symptoms of diplopia, dysphagia, weakness and/or fatigue may be tested when the above diagnoses are suspected Note: For Frequency of Testing Guidelines, please refer to Attachment A at the end of this policy. C. Limitations 1. MedStar Health, Inc. covers Nerve Conduction Velocity Studies only when performed with needle electromyogram except in occasional circumstances as described above. 2. A clinical history from the referral source must clearly document the need for each test. Referral data containing pertinent clinical information must be available for review in instances were the need for a test may come under scrutiny. 3. Both Nerve Conduction Velocity studies and EMGs are required for a clinical diagnosis of peripheral nervous system disorders. 4. NCS must be performed on conventional EMG machines that also have the capability of performing needle EMG s. 5. NCS are not covered in the following instances: Examinations using portable hand-held devices, which are incapable of real- time wave-form display and analysis, are included in the reimbursement for an Evaluation and Management (E & M) visit. They will not be paid separately EXCEPT once per upper extremity limb
PAGE NUMBER: 6 of 10 studied per patient per year in patients with a high pre-test probability (80% or more) of carpal tunnel syndrome. Devices that use fixed anatomic templates and computer generated reports used as an adjunct to physical examination routinely. Psychophysical measurements (current, vibration, thermal perceptions), even though they may involve delivery of a stimulus. Segmental testing of a single nerve will not be covered on a multiple unit basis. For instance, testing the ulnar nerve at wrist, forearm, below elbow, above elbow, axilla and supraclavicular regions will all be considered as a one unit test. Different methods of measuring the conduction in the same nerve will not be reimbursed as separate services. Narrative reports alluding to normal or abnormal results without numerical data will not be covered. Regular repeated routine testing is often of questionable benefit and viewed as not medically necessary. Screening testing for polyneuropathy (not mononeuropathies) of diabetes or endstage renal disease (ESRD) is NOT covered. Psychophysical measurements (current, vibration, thermal perceptions), even though they may involve delivery of a stimulus, are not covered. 6. EMGs are contraindicated and therefore not covered for these conditions: Patients who are fully anticoagulated or have thrombocytopenia. If there is a skin infection present in the area to be studied. Patient refusal resulting in termination of the EMG. Surface and macro EMGs. Frequency of testing issues as above for NCS. Exclusive testing of intrinsic foot muscles in the diagnosis of proximal lesions. Narrative reports without data. Premature EMG testing after trauma when EMG changes may not have taken place. Multiple uses of EMG in the same patient at the same location of the same limb for the purpose of optimizing botulinum toxin injections. Definitive diagnostic conclusions based on paraspinal EMG in regions bearing scar of past surgeries (e.g., previous laminectomies). Pattern-setting limited limb muscle examinations without paraspinal
PAGE NUMBER: 7 of 10 muscle testing for a diagnosis of radiculopathies. 7. NMJ studies are not covered for the following: Any diagnosis not listed in the indications above Any diagnostic test or procedure that does not meet the CPT definition of code 95937 such as quantitative sensory testing by any means and sensory nerve conduction threshold testing. Examples of these tests includes devices used for Current Perception Threshold/Sensory Nerve Conduction Threshold (CPT/sNCT) testing or the pressure-specified sensory device (PSSD). Tests depending on the patient s subjective response to single or repetitive stimulation (electrical, vibratory, thermal or tactile), regardless of whether or not these data are analyzed and presented through electronic or computerized systems. 8. NC-Stat (Neurometrix) and Neurostat are considered experimental and investigative due to lack of scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. D. Variations N/A E. Quality Audit Quality Audit may monitor policy compliance or billing accuracy at the request of the MedStar Health, Inc. s Technology Assessment Committee or the Benefits Reimbursement Committee. F. Records Retention Records Retention for MedStar Health, Inc. documents, regardless of medium, are provided within the Health Plan Policy and Procedure CORP.028.MH Records Retention. G. References 1. American Medical Association. House of Delegates, Resolution: 62, I-83; Reaffirmed CLRPD Rep. I-93-1. 2. American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Statement re: Clinical Diagnostic Electromyography, November 1983.
PAGE NUMBER: 8 of 10 3. Oregon Workers Comp., July 26, 2001 4. Position Statement: Proper Performance and Interpretation of Electrodiagnostic Studies. Rochester, MN: AANEM 2006 5. Elkowitz SJ, Dubin NH, Richards BE, Wilgis EF. Clinical utility of portable versus traditional electrodiagnostic testing for diagnosing, evaluating, and treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Am J Orthop. 2005 Aug; 34(8):362-4. 6. Guyette TM, Wilgis EF. Timing of improvement after carpal tunnel release. J. Surg Orthoped Adv. 2004 Winter; 13(4):206-9. 7. Kong X, Gozani SN, Hayes MT, Weinberg DH. NC-stat sensory nerve conduction studies in the median and ulnar nerves of symptomatic patients. Clin Neurophysiol. 2006 Feb; 117(2):405-13. 8. Mackin G, et al. AANEM Practice Topic: Guidelines for Ethical Behavior Relating to Clinical Practice Issues in Electrodiagnostic Medicine. NeuroMetrix Inc. 9. Aminoff, M. J. Electrodiagnosis in Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. New York: 510k) Summary. 2004 May; Available at Churchill Livingstone, 1992. 10.. American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Recommended Policy for Electrodiagnostic Medicine: Maximum Number of Studies per Diagnostic Category Table for Physician Diagnosis. 11. Brown, W.F. and C. F. Bolton. Clinical Electromyography. 2nd ed. Boston: Butterworth s, 1993. 12.. Oh, S. J. Clinical Electromyography: Nerve Conduction Studies. 2nd ed.baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1993. 13. Kimura, J. Electrodiagnosis in Diseases of Nerve and Muscle: Principles and Practice. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: FA Davis, 1989. 14. Medical Definition of Electromyography (EMG): from Univ of California at San Francisco, California, Directory of Medical Tests & Definitions through Internet/Google 15. AANEM, Recommended Policy for Electrodiagnostic Medicine; American Assoc. Of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Academy of Neurology and American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Executive Summary. updated 12/31/11. 16. Highmark Medicare Services, LCD L29547 Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies, Effective date 01/01/2012 17. Highmark Medicare Services, LCD L32239 Neuromuscular Junction Testing, 04/12/2012
PAGE NUMBER: 9 of 10 Disclaimer: MedStar Health, Inc. medical payment and prior authorization policies do not constitute medical advice and are not intended to govern or otherwise influence the practice of medicine. The policies constitute only the reimbursement and coverage guidelines of MedStar Health, Inc. and its affiliated managed care entities. Coverage for services varies for individual members in accordance with the terms and conditions of applicable Certificates of Coverage, Summary Plan Descriptions, or contracts with governing regulatory agencies. MedStar Health, Inc. reserves the right to review and update the medical payment and prior authorization guidelines in its sole discretion. Notice of such changes, if necessary, shall be provided in accordance with the terms and conditions of provider agreements and any applicable laws or regulations. These policies are the proprietary information of UPMC Health Plan. Any sale, copying, or dissemination of said policies is prohibited.
PAGE NUMBER: 10 of 10 ATTACHMENT A Frequency of Testing: Guidelines for a physician to render a diagnosis. (Recommended by American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine) Needle Electromyography, Nerve Conduction Studies Other Electromyographic Studies Indication Number of Services (Tests) Motor NCS with and/or without F wave Sensory NCS H- Reflex Neuromuscular Junction Testing (Repetitive Stimulation) Carpal Tunnel (unilateral) 1 3 4 Carpal Tunnel (bilateral) 2 4 6 Radiculopathy 2 3 2 2 Mononeuropathy 1 3 3 2 Polyneuropathy/ Mononeuropathy 3 4 4 2 Multiplex Myopathy 2 2 2 2 Motor Neuronopathy (e.g., ALS) 4 4 2 2 Plexopathy 2 4 6 2 Neuromuscular Junction 2 2 2 3 Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome 1 4 4 (unilateral) Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome 2 5 6 (bilateral) Weakness, Fatigue, Cramps, or 2 3 4 2 Twitching (focal) Weakness, Fatigue, Cramps, or 4 4 4 2 Twitching (general) Pain, Numbness, or Tingling 1 3 4 2 (unilateral) Pain, Numbness, or Tingling 2 4 6 2 (bilateral)