In simple words: This procedure involves inserting small needles into muscles of the head, neck, or torso to assess their electrical activity. It is performed in conjunction with a nerve conduction study, which measures how well electrical signals travel along nerves. This combined testing helps diagnose conditions affecting muscles and nerves outside of the arms and legs.

This code represents needle electromyography (EMG) performed on muscles supplied by cranial nerves or axial muscles, excluding extremity muscles. It is used when this procedure is performed on the same day as nerve conduction studies (NCS) (95907-95913).It is reported as an add-on code to the primary procedure code for NCS and is not reported independently.This code is used per anatomical site tested and may be reported twice for bilateral studies of cranial nerve-innervated muscles (excluding extra-ocular and larynx muscles). It is also applicable for unilateral or bilateral studies of paraspinal muscles (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar) when no corresponding limb study (95885 or 95886) is performed on the same day.

Example 1: A patient presents with facial weakness.NCS of cranial nerves and needle EMG of facial muscles are performed on the same day to evaluate for neuromuscular disorders., A patient with neck pain has NCS of the upper extremities and needle EMG of the cervical paraspinal muscles on the same day to assess for cervical radiculopathy., A patient experiences weakness in the torso. NCS and needle EMG of thoracic paraspinal muscles are performed to evaluate for a neuromuscular cause.

Documentation should include the medical necessity for both NCS and EMG, the specific nerves and muscles tested, the findings, and the interpretation. The documentation should also support the use of 95887 by stating it was performed with a nerve conduction study.