EMG Test Cost

How Much Does an EMG Test Cost?

With Health Insurance: $10-$50 Copays, 10%-50% Coinsurance

Without Health Insurance: $150-$500 per Extremity

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Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure typically ordered by a doctor to diagnose muscle and nerve conditions, including peripheral nerve disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy, and diseases that affect the nerve and muscle connection, such as myasthenia gravis.

Typical costs:

EMG testing is typically covered by health insurance. For patients with health insurance, there may be a copay of $10-$50 or coinsurance of about 10%-50%.
For patients without insurance, the test typically costs between $150 and $500 per extremity, depending on the health care provider. For example, at a Kaiser Permanente hospital^[1] an EMG of one extremity costs $247, while at On Site NCV-EMG Testing^[2] , in Tampa, FL, an EMG costs $350 per extremity.

What should be included:

According to New York City's Hospital for Special Surgery^[3] , EMG testing takes from 30 to 90 minutes and typically includes two parts, a nerve conduction study^[4] , in which electrodes taped to the skin stimulate the nerve and record its response, and a needle exam, in which needles that contain microscopic electrodes are inserted into a muscle to pick up electrical signals.
After an EMG^[5] , there may be muscle soreness for a day or two.

Additional costs:

A patient may need to schedule a follow-up visit with a primary-care doctor to discuss the results. According to the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey^[6] , a set of large-scale surveys on the use and cost of health services conducted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the average price of an office visit for an uninsured patient is $199. Patients who are covered by health insurance face a copay of $10 -$50 or more, or coinsurance of 10%-50% or more.

Discounts:

Many hospitals offer discounts of 30% or more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. At St. Joseph Hospital^[7] in Orange, CA, for example, patients without health insurance may qualify for a 45% discount off billed charges. They'll also be offered an additional 10% discount if payment is made within 10 days of receiving a bill. Under the federal government's Hill-Burton program^[8] low-income patients may qualify for free or low-cost services.

Shopping for an emg test:

Though a primary doctor may order the EMG, a patient will need to see specialist such as a neurologist^[9] or a physiatrist^[10] (also known as a PM&R physician), who can perform and interpret the test. The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR) offers a physiatrist finder^[11] , while the American Academy of Neurology offers a physician neurologist locator^[12] .

Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.

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