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Texas Neurological Society Texas Neurological Society 401 West 15th Street Austin, TX 78701 (512) 370-1532 (512) 370-1626 fax © Copyright 2000 Texas Neurological Society All Rights Reserved |
| TNS Position on EMG Use |
You are here: Home > TNS Position on EMG Use
ELECTROMYOGRAPHY AS THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE
The Texas Neurological Society (TNS), representing 426 Texas neurologists and the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) representing 18,000 neurologists nationwide, support policy measures to affirm that the performance of needle electromyography (EMG) is clearly and exclusively defined as the practice of medicine.
Clinical needle EMG is an invasive diagnostic medical procedure during which the physician inserts an electrode into a patient’s muscles to diagnose the cause of neuromuscular disease. Needle EMG, together with the companion test NCV, allows a physician to distinguish a wide range of conditions, from carpal tunnel syndrome to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
Results of this test are used to base critical medical decisions regarding the need for surgery, further testing such as MRI, medications, and the determination of disability. Misdiagnosis can mean delayed or inappropriate treatment (including unnecessary surgery) and diminished quality of life for patients. Because of the diagnostic nature of the procedure, needle EMG clearly and exclusively falls within the practice of medicine.
The diagnostic interpretation of the needle EMG exam takes place during the performance of the test. The proper sites and methods of introducing the needle electrode are determined as the test is in progress and depends upon the real time visual, tactile and audio observations of the examiner. This process requires extensive training and experience and involves complex medical decisions that can only be made during the actual performance of the test. It therefore is not possible for physicians to independently assess and verify the accuracy of reports performed by non-physicians.
EMG is a dynamic, diagnostic, and invasive procedure. The TNS and the AAN support regulatory and legislative actions to define EMG as the practice of medicine to protect patients and to assure the safe and cost-effective performance and interpretation of this diagnostic test. The TNS and AAN actively oppose efforts by non-physician organizations seeking to broaden their scope of practice to encompass the performance and thereby diagnostic interpretation of needle EMG.
Policymakers and physicians share a vital role in protecting patients and upholding healthcare quality. Therefore Texas State lawmakers should take prompt action limiting the performance and interpretation of needle EMG to those persons who are licensed to practice medicine in the State of Texas.
Approved by TNS Board or Directors: February 27, 2004
Approved by the TNS membership: February 28, 2004
