Search thousands of topics on CostHelper
BROWSE ALL TOPICS >> babies & children  cars  consumer electronics health & personal care home & garden personal finance  pets  schools small business sports weddings
CostHelper > Health & Personal Care  > Tests, X-Rays & Imaging > EMG Test

EMG Test Cost

How Much Does an EMG Test Cost?
 
average costWith Health Insurance: $10-$50 Copays, 10%-50% Coinsurancehigh costWithout Health Insurance: $150-$500 per Extremity

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.
Related articles: Carpal Tunnel Treatment, Biofeedback Therapy, Muscular Dystrophy Treatment

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.
 
post Post   Comments (30)  
CostHelper News


7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013

7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013

‣ All CostHelper Blog Posts


What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
Emg
Amount: $662.00
Posted by: Sarah1989 in Bentonville, AR.Posted: February 18th, 2022 09:02AM
Insurance: Blue cross blue shieldMedical Center: Neurocare Inc bentonville, ar, usa
This is absolutely ridiculous. I'm ready to see the USA fall to ruin and we all go back to homesteading. This had to be paid in full. I had to use a credit card. What the hell is insurance for?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
REALLY, REALLY EXPENSIVE. BIG RIP OFF
Amount: $10,500.00
Posted by: Don 12345678 in Old Saybrook, CT.Posted: January 9th, 2022 04:01AM
Insurance: $5,100.00Medical Center:
What a complete rip off. Was told to go for this test. Was in room 20 minutes with Doc for test. pinched nerve in neck. Was totally shocked at the bill I recieved. I am on the hook for $5,400.00. No wonder health care is so screwed up
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
EMG TEST
Amount: $4,500.00
Posted by: Ripped off in MUNSTER, IN in HIGHLAND, IN.Posted: November 12th, 2021 05:11AM
Insurance: CIGNAMedical Center: COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
My Doctor ordered an EMG test. Had the test done at Community Hospital in Munster, IN. It took maybe 45 minutes time. I received a summary of charges from my insurance. Total bill $4,500, Insurance paid over $1,000, my portion $2,100. Seems way over priced. I had an MRI done and I paid about $50. Seems medical providers make up any cost they like!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Costs almost as much as an MRI
Amount: $3,100.00
Posted by: Ripped 0ff in Crown Point, IN.Posted: November 4th, 2021 08:11AM
Insurance: BCBSMedical Center: Franciscan Hospital
The total bill was for $3171. I had to pay $1892. This seems ridiculously expensive for what was actually done.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
(EMG) & Nerve Conduction Studies
Amount: $5,500.00
Posted by: Christine 1959 in Allentown, PA.Posted: August 10th, 2021 10:08AM
Insurance: Capital blue CrossMedical Center: LVHN Lehigh ValleyHospital
(EMG)NCS Was sent to hospital for test never imagined such cost was never told before going in for test. Test cost are not transparent on website. Always call insurance or financial counselors before appointment for this test cost which is extreme right now after adjustments still owe 2,500.00 to hospital for the outpatient cost and doctor
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
EMG
Amount: $600.00
Posted by: JNZ in LOS ANGELES, CA.Posted: July 28th, 2021 12:07PM
Insurance: UNINSUREDMedical Center: PRECISION MEDICAL GROUP
I PAID OUT OF POCKET FOR MY EMG (BOTH WRIST/HANDS/ARMS). I HOPE I DONT GET A SURPRISE BILL IN THE FUTURE.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
EMG
Amount: $7,000.00
Posted by: Christine Dziedzic in Chicago, IL.Posted: June 30th, 2021 06:06AM
Insurance: No insuranceMedical Center: Illinois
Ordered by my lawyers doctors and padded to my settlement I have medicaid but they didn’t consider that because of the case…7k
She didn’t wear a mask or gloves during the high point of the pandemic and when I asked my lawyer he said he didn’t know her and she was across the street from his office on Devon in Chicago. Nobody explained the results to me because I was mot approved to aee his doctors again
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
EMG bilateral upper extremity
Amount: $1,950.00
Posted by: Medicine Man in Marietta, OH.Posted: April 23rd, 2021 09:04AM
Insurance: MedBenMedical Center: Marietta Memorial Hospital
I was expecting a cost around $350-$500. $1995 seems excessive.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
EMG/NCV
Amount: $1,044.00
Posted by: Robinlex in Lexington, KY.Posted: March 9th, 2021 05:03PM
Insurance: Anthem BCBSMedical Center: Baptist Health Lexington
My insurance pays 80%. This seems way overpriced.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Absolutely Stunned
Amount: $520.69
Posted by: James G in Lexington, KY.Posted: August 3rd, 2020 01:08PM
Insurance: AetnaMedical Center: Baptist Health
I'm supposed to have an NCV/EMG test performed on Thursday and the hospital just called to tell me that I needed to prepay $520.69. This is after my insurance agreed to pay 90% of the cost of the procedure. Why does it cost $5,000 to attach a few electrodes to someone and flip a machine on? I will almost certainly be cancelling the procedure. Highway robbery.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
EMG
Amount: $980.00
Posted by: Anonymous321 in LakeVille, MN.Posted: March 3rd, 2020 12:03PM
Insurance: 500Medical Center:
The Provider has cahrged $1500 for Nerve condition and add-on
CPT codes 95911 & 95886
Outrageous cost. Please double check before you visit
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
OHSU is awful
Amount: $958.96
Posted by: EW19 in Portland, OR.Posted: July 24th, 2019 06:07PM
Insurance: Blue crossMedical Center: OHSU
Our healthcare system is being abused by OHSU
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Medically retired veteran / received a bill send uninsured
Amount: $625.00
Posted by: Call me.. Disappointed with receptionist in Bethesda, MD.Posted: May 13th, 2019 06:05PM
Insurance: VA/TRICAREMedical Center: Bethesda neurological clinic
Sent a bill saying my status as an uninsured or no insurance on file. I gave them my insurance and referral letter on my first appointment. NCS and EMG and called to asked about my insurance, receptionist rudely said that was my portion even though my bill was not reflected of an itemized data of insurance coverage or knowledge of the procedure. Still waiting to hear back from billing department...
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
EMG
Amount: $550.00
Posted by: Kenneth Broz in Hou, TX.Posted: January 29th, 2019 11:01AM
Insurance: Independence Blue CrossMedical Center: UT Hermann Neorology
Same amount with or without insurance
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
USA Hospitals are ripoffs
Amount: $92.00
Posted by: K R P in New Delhi, Other.Posted: January 18th, 2019 02:01AM
Insurance: Medical Center: Fortis memorial
I have a pinched radial nerve in left arm. Which happened in Tampa Florida after the ER visit I was told to follow up with a neurologist I had a business trip to New Delhi did my follow up here. Total bill 6670 rupees after the coversion rate of 71 rupees to $1 my total was $92.00 with the visit with neurologist.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Still expensive
Amount: $1,000.00
Posted by: A7X1 in Pensacola, FL.Posted: April 24th, 2018 06:04PM
Insurance: AetnaMedical Center: Sacred Heart
More expensive than I thought it'd be. I paid a 1000 while insurance picked up 5000 of it.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Nerve testing and emg
Amount: $858.79
Posted by: Glenda Hardy in North Augusta, SC.Posted: December 7th, 2017 11:12AM
Insurance: CignaMedical Center: Vitality medical center
Would not take a check would only take care credit services which I had at 0 balance. I was told it was going toward my deductable. No record from my insurance company but vitality made claims over $5000.00 I'm waiting on my statement from cigna. I have called vitality records and billing and message onto return call but one when I threatened they will hear from my lawyer
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
EMG/NCV TEST 2 LEGS
Amount: $47.00
Posted by: unavailable in Park Ridge, IL.Posted: April 10th, 2017 03:04PM
Insurance: Medicare Orininal Primary/BCHMO SecondarMedical Center: Advocate Lutheran general
Test for 2 legs lower extremities when Medicare Original is Primary and Blue Cross HMO Illinois is Secondary was calculated to be $47. When the same test was calculated for my spouse, who had Blue Cross HMO Illinois Primary (not yet Medicare) the out of pocket cost was $1200 and possibly more due to deductibles and coinsurance. This was based on having the test done at a hospital outpatient facility, not the doctors office, which Blue Cross could not estimate (hopefully it would be lower). Moral: nWait until Medicare is primary and Blue Cross is secondary or hope that test in doctors office is lower if you are not Medicare eligible.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
EMG
Amount: $15,150.98
Posted by: mother of disabled patient in Jackson, MS.Posted: March 28th, 2017 08:03AM
Insurance: MedicaidMedical Center: University of Mississippi Medical Center
My disabled son had this done and Medicaid was billed $15,150.98. We did not have to pay out of pocket, but I was amazed at how high the bill was. He had to be put to sleep because he is young and couldn't remain still, but that bill is separate and not included in this bill. That amount I listed was just for the EMG part! They tested all his extremities and got abnormal results. There is no way I would ever be able to pay that out of pocket! That is almost a year's pay out of pocket for some people working full time at minimum wage. These prices are crazy! It only took a couple hours when they finally got him back to do the test, but most of the day to wake back up and it worried me.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Too much
Amount: $980.00
Posted by: a patient in Cedar Rapids, IA.Posted: February 11th, 2017 07:02AM
Insurance: BCBSMedical Center: Will update later
EMG test for left arm and leg. Also did nerve conduction test.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Emg cost ouch
Amount: $980.00
Posted by: ButterBean in Lawrenceville, GA.Posted: August 30th, 2016 07:08PM
Insurance: 3500.00Medical Center: Gwinnett medical l/ville
Scheduled tomorrow this is just an outrageous price for something that is going to take me an hour to do.
Health care reform is for the birds!!!
I feel like telling them I don't have insurance and ask for a cash discount it will be lower than my out of pocket expense.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Cost was way higher than suggested here
Amount: $1,200.00
Posted by: Mary Jones in Springfield, MO.Posted: August 26th, 2016 06:08PM
Insurance: CoventryMedical Center: Mercy Clinic, Spfld MO
Was told the insurance company negotiated a cost per extremity of $1200 + the cost of some unknown physician to compose a report and send to my doctor who I will have to pay at $200 ofice visit call. Seems like these anonymous readers of medical procedures charge about $200. So, the total cost to me would be $1600. Because I have a high deductible I must pay this out of cost. I cancelled my appointment as I could not afford this. Will have to daal with the nerve pain until I get MEdicare or the cost is closer to costhelper.com's suggestion.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Cost not what I was told it might be
Amount: $4,383.00
Posted by: SnowNCycle in Youngstown, OH.Posted: April 8th, 2016 06:04AM
Insurance: BC/BSMedical Center: St. E\'s Youngstown
My doctor told me the cost would run about $1,000-$1,500.....bill was for $4383.....after insurance, still owed $2,550.91
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
EMG/NCV
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Ossining in Sleepy Hollow, NY.Posted: December 21st, 2015 09:12AM
Insurance: MedicareMedical Center: Private Neuroligist
Pinched nerve in neck. Going for physical therapy. Neurologist wants me to have EMG/NCV. Asked secretary what cost would be and she was clueless. No one could tell me cost. Why not?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
RIPPED OFF
Amount: $1,700.00
Posted by: Misled and Duped in NYC, NY.Posted: October 26th, 2015 08:10AM
Insurance: Medical Center: Office Visit
Doctor's office sent me a $1700 bill for office visit and EMG. Absolutely outrageous. Should be a crime to rip off patients like this!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
EMG test cost
Amount: $8,600.00
Posted by: Indisbelief in Atlanta, GA.Posted: September 20th, 2015 12:09PM
Insurance: Medical Center: Piedmont Hospital
September 2015. 1 arm and 1 leg. 30 mins with tech and 15 mins with MD. $8.6K TOTAL. Insurance paid $4.4k and further negotiated $2.6K reduction leaving me with $1600 out of pocket. I am absolutely stunned.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Cost
Amount: $2,800.00
Posted by: Uninformed in Westmont, IL.Posted: June 25th, 2015 08:06AM
Insurance: BCBSMedical Center: Hinsdale Hospital
Hospital didn't tell us cost until we showed up for test. Told us 2800.00 was at least our portion. We walked away, couldn't afford it.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Really expensive. Ridiculous
Amount: $5,400.00
Posted by: Bcm in Soartanburg, SC.Posted: June 13th, 2015 07:06PM
Insurance: MedpartnersMedical Center: Mary black hospital
Total bill was $5400. Insurance picked up most of the cost. My part is $1200. I was there for a hour and half. Sitting in the room for an hour being ignored. This charge is absolutely outrageous.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
"Healthcare" Is a Bad Title for Actual
Amount: $985.00
Posted by: Jessica R in St. Paul, MN.Posted: May 12th, 2015 06:05PM
Insurance: HEALTHPARTNERS MEDICAL GROUPMedical Center: HEALTHPARTNERS / Regions
30 mins costs $985? How?
I doubt it. I owe $775 and my health insurance picked up the rest. Awesome. Thanks.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Cost
Amount: $3,700.00
Posted by: Godstxgirl in Houston, TX.Posted: April 7th, 2015 07:04AM
Insurance: BCBSMedical Center: The Neurology Center Houston,l TX
Total time for the tests were about 15 minutes and charge was $3700.00 This seems terribly expensive. I had to pay $427.97 on the spot.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam


 
Comment On Your Experience With an EMG Test
 
Subject:  *
Amount Spent:  *
Insurance: Medical Center: 
Comments: 
Purchased:  Year: 
City:  * State:  *
 
Information about you:
Email:  * Email addresses are not displayed.
Name:  This is the name we'll display with your post.
me on this computer
*=required field.
 


External Resources:
  1.  info.kaiserpermanente.org/info_assets/estimating_your_cost/PDFs/cod_fees.pdf
  2.  onsitencv-emg.com/med-services.html
  3.  www.hss.edu/conditions_emg-testing-a-patient-guide.asp
  4.  www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/neurological/nerve_conductio...
  5.  www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/neurological/electromyograph...
  6.  meps.ahrq.gov/mepsweb/data_files/publications/st318/stat318.shtml
  7.  www.sjo.org/For-Patients/Your-Hospital-Bill/Self-Pay-Discount-Program.aspx
  8.  www.hrsa.gov/gethealthcare/affordable/hillburton
  9.  www.urmc.rochester.edu/highland/departments-centers/neurology/what-is-a-neurologis...
  10.  www.aapmr.org/patients/aboutpmr/Pages/physiatrist.aspx
  11.  www.aapmr.org/patients/findphysician/Pages/default.aspx
  12.  patients.aan.com/findaneurologist/
More Health & Personal Care Topics
Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care How Much Does a Flu Shot Cost? How Much Does Teeth Cleaning Cost? How Much Does an Ambulance Cost?

Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com

 
Today's Featured Cost Articles
April is craft month. We have the cost of scrapbooking and other crafts.
Looking for help to take care of your garden? How much does garden service cost.
If you want a spring or summer wedding, now is the time to pin down the location.
A BBQ grill could be handy to enjoy backyard activities during the summer months.
Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots?

About CostHelper
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community
Didn't hurt the pocketbook
Paid: 43.00
I called my dentist because my tooth had been hurting for a week and a half. I couldn't eat or sleep. It was horrible. They got me in the next day. The dental surgeon and staff took x-rays, verified that it indeed needed to come out... [more]
-Anxious in Augusta
Tooth Extraction Cost
Current cost of skirting job 2022
Paid: 2356.00
Purchased material @ mobile home supply store Front/back top trim & ground track 17 each [email protected]$9= $459. 48 [email protected]$17= $816. [email protected]$40 [email protected] $20 tax $121. Total material $1456. 3 guys total $75 hour labor at 12 hours $900 labor... [more]
-Fayard siding
Mobile Home Skirting Cost
Alatel joy tab2
Paid: 108.00
Cracked screen... [more]
-Shawn P Speers
Tablet Repair Cost
Replace 2baths, laundry, and kitchen to the street
Paid: 20000.00
Numerous breaks in 90 year old cast iron and also in the clay pipe. replaced with 4" schedule 40 ABS to the curb and then liner in the clay pipe to the city sewer... [more]
-Steve in 2022
Sewer Line Replacement Cost
Full mouth -Is this estimate too much?
Paid: 16945.00
Extract buttom front teeth, replace with single implant for both teeth. Root canals and crowns needed for 3 molars, fillings needed on 11 teeth. Deep cleaning with 4 spots of Arestin and fluoride treatment. All under IV sedation... [more]
-Shanmarspag
Dental Work Cost
Lockout at front door
Paid: 175.00
I was quoted $29 for a service call. The techniciandidn't give me a price but went ahead with the repair. It took about 10 minutes. Then he told me the charge was because the owner of the business gets most of the money I paid... [more]
-Carla Axelrod
Locksmith Cost