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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesR94.131

R94.131

Abnormal electromyogram [EMG]

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 R94.131 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of abnormal electromyogram [emg].

Key Diagnostic Point:

An abnormal electromyogram (EMG) indicates that there are irregularities in the electrical activity of muscles, which can suggest various neuromuscular disorders. EMG is a diagnostic procedure that measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction. Abnormal findings may include signs of muscle damage, nerve dysfunction, or conditions such as myopathy or neuropathy. Symptoms that may lead to an EMG include muscle weakness, cramping, twitching, or numbness. The results of an EMG can help differentiate between muscle diseases and nerve disorders, guiding further diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Common causes of abnormal EMG results include peripheral neuropathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), myasthenia gravis, and radiculopathy. Accurate interpretation of EMG results requires correlation with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests, such as nerve conduction studies (NCS).

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation of underlying conditions
  • Need for correlation with other diagnostic tests
  • Potential for misinterpretation of EMG results
  • Documentation of symptoms leading to EMG

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical indications for EMG
  • Failure to correlate EMG findings with clinical symptoms
  • Misuse of the code for normal EMG results
  • Inconsistent coding practices across specialties

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Internal Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, physical examination findings, and rationale for EMG testing.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained muscle weakness or sensory changes.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the EMG findings are clearly linked to the patient's clinical presentation.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Acute presentation notes, including vital signs and immediate symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with sudden onset of weakness or paralysis.

Billing Considerations

Rapid assessment and documentation of symptoms are crucial for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use R94.131 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when there is documented evidence of abnormal EMG findings and that it is linked to the appropriate clinical context

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use R94.131 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related CPT Codes

95860CPT Code

Electromyography, needle, each extremity

Clinical Scenario

Used when performing an EMG to evaluate muscle and nerve function.

Documentation Requirements

Document the specific muscles tested and the findings.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the EMG is performed by a qualified specialist.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, improving the granularity of data for research and clinical practice. R94.131 provides a clear indication of abnormal EMG results, facilitating better patient management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, improving the granularity of data for research and clinical practice. R94.131 provides a clear indication of abnormal EMG results, facilitating better patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of abnormal findings, improving the granularity of data for research and clinical practice. R94.131 provides a clear indication of abnormal EMG results, facilitating better patient management.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms that lead to an EMG?

Common symptoms include muscle weakness, cramping, twitching, numbness, and sensory changes. These symptoms may indicate underlying neuromuscular disorders that warrant further investigation through EMG.