Position Statements

Defines the terms “on site” and “real time” as used in the AMA’s CPT codebook for nerve conduction studies. Can be utilized to combat fraud and abuse by providers that are not providing the quality of care required to bill the codes.

Explains that a properly trained physician should perform (or, in the case of NCS, at least supervise) and interpret nerve conduction study (NCS) and needle EMG data on site and in real time. Additionally, in the majority of situations, both a needle EMG and NCS should be performed together.

Helps identify overutilization by providing detailed information on appropriate coding and billing. This document is frequently used by insurance companies when developing policies. Share with your insurance company.

Provides insurance companies with language they can easily adapt to their policies outlining AANEM’s key positions. Describes a typical EDX examination, when EDX testing is indicated, explains the performance of the tests with reference to the CPT codes, the limitations of the studies, the maximum number of tests needed in 90% of cases, timing of testing after an injury, and frequency of testing.

Provides insurance companies with language they can easily adapt to their policies outlining AANEM’s key positions. Describes qualifications of EDX providers – for both needle EMGs and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Share with your insurance providers!

Addresses when to bill for an evaluation and management code in addition to needle EMG and NCS codes.

Addresses qualifications and training required to perform autonomic tests, as well as the appropriate performance.

Clearly states that a technologist may perform a NCS or SEP independently, without a physician in the room, but a qualified physician must be immediately available.

Demonstrates that value based (VB) payment models for electrodiagnostic (EDX) services provide quality patient care, ensure timely treatment, and reduce health care costs. Explains how a value-based reimbursement system for properly-performed EDX testing and assessment of a patient will increase the value of each healthcare dollar spent. A sample payment method is included.

Provides a broad overview of EDX medicine, qualifications, laboratory organization, reporting, patient comfort, and equipment.

Clarifies what constitutes an acceptable NCS waveform, including proper techniques and necessary qualifications

Identifies characteristics of mobile diagnostic testing companies that may be offering substandard electrodiagnostic (EDX) services. Because substandard and inaccurate diagnoses delay appropriate care, these types of services are negatively impacting the quality of EDX examinations delivered to patients across the United States.

Explains how a quality EDX evaluation, performed by a properly trained physician, greatly increases the likelihood that the correct diagnosis is reached quickly and that treatment decisions are based on an accurate diagnosis of the disease or disorder and thereby reduces costs to the health care system.

Outlines the clinical usefulness of genetic testing in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease. This position statement is helpful when addressing insurance providers regarding whether genetic testing for NM diseases is valuable and beneficial in light of the costs of testing.

In an effort to help stem the tide of fraud and abuse in EDX medicine, AANEM has compiled a list of potential red flags that may indicate a provider is committing EDX fraud or abuse.

Defines the requirements and specifications of a useful EDX instrument.

AANEM endorses the American Academy of Neurology's position statement with the addition of "neuromuscular care" to the final bullet point

AANEM endorses the American Academy of Neurology's (AAN) position statement on the prescription and use of opioids.

AANEM endorses the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation's (AAPM&R) position statement on the prescription and use of opioid.

AANEM endorses the American Medical Association's Prior Authorization and Utilization Management Reform Principles.

Provides job titles, associated job responsibilities, and the recommended levels of education, certification, experience, and ongoing education appropriate for each position.

Prerequisites for a qualified physician to perform and interpret NM ultrasound.

Instructs physicians in NM and EDX medicine on recognizing and addressing ethical issues that may arise in their practice.

Developing competency in the recognition, diagnosis, and management of neuromuscular (NM) diseases remains a critically important aspect of residency training in neurology and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR). With an explosion of new treatments for NM disorders, accurate diagnosis is key for allowing patients to receive appropriate treatments without delay.

Created to aid training program directors in establishing new EDX training programs or in reviewing the current status of existing programs.

Assists physicians in determining when it may be appropriate or necessary to perform EDX testing for evaluation of DSP.

Assists EDX physicians in recognizing and addressing potential complications during and EDX study.

Defines the requirements and specifications of a useful EDX instrument.

Distribute this to the primary care physicians in your area to help them determine when to refer their patients for an EDX study.

Describes the information to include in an EDX report and the best way to present it.

Provides a sample of a model report for you to use in your lab.

Use this checklist to make sure all the required elements are listed in your EDX report.

Use this to know what to include in a diagnostic NM ultrasound report and the best way to present it.

Use this sample report to improve your NMUS reports,

This paper reviews the Neurometer® Current Perception Threshold (CPT) and provides AANEM's evaluation of the machine's ability to proved valid data. Published in Muscle Nerve 22: Supplement 8: S247-259, 1999.

Reviews the use of Surface EMG. Published Muscle Nerve 38: 1219–1224, 2008.

Reviews the use of QST. Published in Muscle Nerve 29: 734 –747, 2004.

This paper discusses quantitative sensory testing (QST) equipment using the following sensory modalities: 1) light touch, 2) vibration, 3) thermal, and 4) pain.

This paper summarize and compare the major methods of MUNE and the available data regarding their reproducibility, validity, application, refinement, and utility. Published MUSCLE & NERVE December 2014,

Clarifies what constitutes an acceptable NCS waveform, including proper techniques and necessary qualifications

Identifies characteristics of mobile diagnostic testing companies that may be offering substandard electrodiagnostic (EDX) services. Because substandard and inaccurate diagnoses delay appropriate care, these types of services are negatively impacting the quality of EDX examinations delivered to patients across the United States.

Defines the terms “on site” and “real time” as used in the AMA’s CPT codebook for nerve conduction studies. Can be utilized to combat fraud and abuse by providers that are not providing the quality of care required to bill the codes.

Explains that a properly trained physician should perform (or, in the case of NCS, at least supervise) and interpret nerve conduction study (NCS) and needle EMG data on site and in real time. Additionally, in the majority of situations, both a needle EMG and NCS should be performed together.

Helps identify overutilization by providing detailed information on appropriate coding and billing. This document is frequently used by insurance companies when developing policies. Share with your insurance company.

Provides insurance companies with language they can easily adapt to their policies outlining AANEM’s key positions. Describes a typical EDX examination, when EDX testing is indicated, explains the performance of the tests with reference to the CPT codes, the limitations of the studies, the maximum number of tests needed in 90% of cases, timing of testing after an injury, and frequency of testing.

Provides insurance companies with language they can easily adapt to their policies outlining AANEM’s key positions. Describes qualifications of EDX providers – for both needle EMGs and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Share with your insurance providers!

Demonstrates that value based (VB) payment models for electrodiagnostic (EDX) services provide quality patient care, ensure timely treatment, and reduce health care costs. Explains how a value-based reimbursement system for properly-performed EDX testing and assessment of a patient will increase the value of each healthcare dollar spent. A sample payment method is included.