Frequently Asked Questions
What services do you offer?
Axon NeuroDiagnostics provides electrodiagnostic testing including nerve conduction studies (NCS) and needle electromyography (EMG) for healthcare providers at their locations. We are considering adding neurosonography in the future.
How soon can our patients be seen?
Patients are scheduled in a timely manner, usually within 5-10 business days compared to several seeks at an outside facility.
Can the EMG test be scheduled the same day as their doctor’s appointment?
Yes. Stat reports or verbal impressions (‘wet reads’) are provided in these cases.
What qualifies a physical therapist to perform needle EMG and nerve conduction studies?
Studies show that EMG/NCS performed by physical therapists maintains the gold standard quality by having high compliance rates for following clinical practice guidelines.
Physical therapists who provide electrodiagnostic testing services are required to complete a rigorous didactic curriculum, 500 clinical studies and 2000 hours of testing to qualify to sit for an examination administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).
Physical therapists have extensive preparation in the foundational and clinical sciences of gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, muscle and nerve physiology, myology, neurology, and pathology
Currently, among all physical therapists in the United States, only 210 are board certified to provide electrodiagnostic testing services.
Physical therapists who provide electrodiagnostic testing services are required to complete a rigorous didactic curriculum, 500 clinical studies and 2000 hours of testing to qualify to sit for an examination administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).
Physical therapists have extensive preparation in the foundational and clinical sciences of gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, muscle and nerve physiology, myology, neurology, and pathology
Currently, among all physical therapists in the United States, only 210 are board certified to provide electrodiagnostic testing services.
Are physical therapists recognized by insurance providers?
Physical therapists who are board certified in EMG/NCS are recognized as qualified providers by major insurance carriers including Medicare and BCBS. Physical therapists have been recognized and listed by Medicare since 2001 as specifically qualified providers of electrodiagnostic testing (CMS taxonomy code 2251E1300X). This is codified in both federal regulation (42 CFR 410.32(b)(2) (iv)) and in Medicare's various Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs).
Who reads the report and writes the impression?
The examining physical therapist, as a qualified practitioner, interprets the data and writes the impression. This electrophysiological impression is not a medical diagnosis but describes the condition of the peripheral nervous system to assist the referring physician in their diagnosis.
Is it safe for Physical Therapists to Perform EMG/NCS?
Yes. In over 50 years of EMG/NCS testing provided by physical therapists, there has never been an insurance claim filed against a board-certified physical therapist providing electrodiagnostic testing services.
When does the referring provider get the results?
Within 24 hours. When results are needed ASAP, verbal results can be provided immediately, or a stat report can be provided within minutes.
What does the clinic provide?
An examination space with table and common medical consumables (e.g. alcohol wipes, gloves). In some cases we can provide a mobile exam table.
How flexible are the services?
Very. We coordinate with your staff to provide the appropriate coverage to meet your patient care needs.
Will Axon help with potential denials?
Yes. Axon will assist in providing information helpful for denials, medical records requests, and third-party audits at no additional cost to the clinic. As a proactive measure, Axon provides an EMG/NCS Billing Guidelines document to assist billers.
Do you maintain your own malpractice insurance?
Yes. Copies of professional liability insurance, licenses, certifications and more will be provided as part of the New Partner Packet.