Effective March 21, 2022, Independence will update coverage criteria for diagnosing or confirming radiculopathy using needle electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS).
The changes align with the current recommendations from the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM).
The policy changes include:
Needle Electromyography (EMG) Studies
- Needle electromyography (EMG) when not conducted and interpreted at the same time as a nerve conduction study (NCS) for the sole purpose of diagnosing or confirming radiculopathy is considered not medically necessary.
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS) when not conducted and interpreted at the same time as needle electromyography (EMG) for the sole purpose of diagnosing or confirming radiculopathy are considered not medically necessary.
Commercial and Medicare Advantage Policy Notifications were posted December 20, 2021, for: