In simple words: The doctor inserts a tiny wire into one muscle to check its electrical activity as you walk or move.This helps them understand how your muscles and nerves work together.

This CPT code, 96003, describes the performance of dynamic fine-wire electromyography (EMG) during activities such as walking or other functional movements, focusing on a single muscle.The procedure involves inserting a fine-wire electrode into the target muscle using a needle, stimulating it to ensure correct placement.As the patient performs the activities, the EMG system records and converts muscle activity data (timing and magnitude). The physician then analyzes this data, integrating it with findings from other tests to reach a diagnosis.

Example 1: A patient presents with weakness in their lower leg.The physician orders a dynamic EMG of the tibialis anterior muscle during walking to assess the neuromuscular integrity of the muscle and its response to functional activity. This helps differentiate between myopathic and neuropathic causes., A patient with suspected nerve entrapment in the wrist undergoes dynamic EMG of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle during hand movements to pinpoint the location and extent of nerve dysfunction., A patient recovering from stroke is assessed for muscle activation patterns during gait. Dynamic EMG of the quadriceps muscle during ambulation helps the physician tailor physical therapy interventions to improve gait efficiency and reduce risk of falls.

Detailed patient history, including symptoms, onset, and duration; thorough neurological examination; needle placement details (muscle targeted, location of electrode); EMG tracing/recording and interpretation; correlation with other diagnostic test results; physician's assessment and plan of care.

** This procedure is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests to form a comprehensive assessment of neuromuscular function.The interpretation of the results requires specialized knowledge and expertise.