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Official Description

Needle electromyography, non-extremity (cranial nerve supplied or axial) muscle(s) done with nerve conduction, amplitude and latency/velocity study (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Needle electromyography (EMG) is a specialized diagnostic procedure utilized to assess the electrical activity of muscles, particularly in cases where patients experience symptoms such as pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling. This procedure is particularly focused on non-extremity muscles, which include those supplied by cranial nerves or located in the axial region of the body. During the needle EMG, one or more fine needle electrodes are inserted through the skin and into the muscle tissue to record the electrical signals generated by muscle fibers. This process allows for the evaluation of the muscle's response to nerve stimulation, which is crucial for diagnosing various neuromuscular disorders. In conjunction with needle EMG, nerve conduction studies are often performed to provide a comprehensive assessment of nerve function. These studies involve the use of flat metal disc electrodes placed on the skin to measure the speed and strength of electrical signals traveling through the nerves. By applying electrical pulses to the nerve, the conduction time—the duration it takes for the muscle to contract in response to the stimulation—is recorded. Additionally, the amplitude, which reflects the strength of the muscle's response, as well as latency and velocity measurements, are captured to evaluate nerve integrity and function. The results from both the needle EMG and nerve conduction studies are analyzed by the physician, who then compiles a detailed report of the findings. The CPT® Code 95887 is specifically used when these diagnostic tests are performed alongside another separately reportable neuromuscular procedure.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Needle electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies are indicated for a variety of clinical symptoms and conditions that warrant further investigation of neuromuscular function. The following are explicitly provided indications for performing this procedure:

  • Pain associated with muscle or nerve dysfunction.
  • Weakness in muscles that may suggest nerve or muscle pathology.
  • Numbness that could indicate nerve compression or injury.
  • Tingling sensations that may be related to nerve disorders.
  • Evaluation of neuromuscular disorders to determine the underlying cause of symptoms.

2. Procedure

The procedure for needle electromyography and nerve conduction studies involves several key steps that are performed to ensure accurate diagnosis and evaluation of neuromuscular function. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Preparation - The patient is positioned comfortably, and the skin over the muscles to be tested is cleaned to reduce the risk of infection. The physician explains the procedure to the patient, addressing any concerns and obtaining informed consent.
  • Step 2: Needle Electromyography - One or more fine needle electrodes are carefully inserted through the skin and into the muscle tissue. These electrodes are used to record the electrical activity of the muscle fibers. The physician may ask the patient to contract the muscle to assess the muscle's response to nerve stimulation, which is displayed as a waveform on a recording device.
  • Step 3: Nerve Conduction Studies - Flat metal disc electrodes are placed on the skin over the nerve to be studied. A shock-emitting electrode is positioned over the nerve, while a recording electrode is placed over the muscles innervated by that nerve. Electrical pulses are sent through the shock-emitting electrode, and the conduction time, amplitude, latency, and velocity of the muscle's response are recorded.
  • Step 4: Data Analysis - The physician reviews the recordings from both the needle EMG and nerve conduction studies. The data is analyzed to identify any abnormalities in muscle and nerve function, which can help in diagnosing various neuromuscular conditions.
  • Step 5: Reporting - A comprehensive report is generated by the physician, summarizing the findings from the needle EMG and nerve conduction studies. This report is essential for guiding further clinical management and treatment decisions.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of needle electromyography and nerve conduction studies, patients may experience mild discomfort or soreness at the electrode insertion sites, which typically resolves quickly. It is important for patients to follow any post-procedure instructions provided by the physician, which may include avoiding strenuous activities for a short period. The physician will discuss the results of the tests with the patient during a follow-up appointment, where further management or treatment options may be considered based on the findings. Additionally, patients should be informed about any signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding or infection at the insertion sites, and advised to seek medical attention if such symptoms occur.

Short Descr MUSC TST DONE W/N TST NONEXT
Medium Descr NEEDLE EMG NONEXTREMTY MSCLES W/NERVE CONDUCTION
Long Descr Needle electromyography, non-extremity (cranial nerve supplied or axial) muscle(s) done with nerve conduction, amplitude and latency/velocity study (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 3 - The usual payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T2D - Other tests - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 7 - Other diagnostic nervous system procedures

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

95907 MPFS Status: Active Code APC S Nerve conduction studies; 1-2 studies
95908 MPFS Status: Active Code APC S Nerve conduction studies; 3-4 studies
95909 MPFS Status: Active Code APC S Nerve conduction studies; 5-6 studies
95910 MPFS Status: Active Code APC S Nerve conduction studies; 7-8 studies
95911 MPFS Status: Active Code APC S Nerve conduction studies; 9-10 studies
95912 MPFS Status: Active Code APC S Nerve conduction studies; 11-12 studies
95913 MPFS Status: Active Code APC S Nerve conduction studies; 13 or more studies
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
X3 Episodic/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians who have broad responsibility for the comprehensive needs of the patient that is limited to a defined period and circumstance such as a hospitalization; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to the hospitalist's services rendered providing comprehensive and general care to a patient while admitted to the hospital
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
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2024-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed.
2013-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed.
2012-01-01 Added Added
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