EMG AND MSKUS LAWS FOR FLORIDA

FL

Many physical therapists think that they can not perform and get reimbursed for diagnostics tests. To address this question with facts, we are providing below excerpts of your State’s Practice Act and using Medicare as an example, show you possible reimbursements for four diagnostic tests.

If this piques your curiosity and you would like to discuss how you could implement diagnostics into your practice and start getting reimbursed quickly, please set an appointment. This is about a business opportunity, not just CEU courses.

Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 486, §486.021(11) expressly permits the performance of electromyography by physical therapists stating “Practice of physical therapy means…  the performance of electromyography as an aid to the diagnosis of any human condition only upon compliance with the criteria set forth by the Board of Medicine,”

64B17-6.003 Minimum Qualification to Perform Electromyography.

  1. Before a physical therapist may perform electromyography as an aid to the diagnosis of any human condition, he must be trained and competent in:
    • (a) Inserting and adjusting electrodes.
    • (b) Reading and identifying normal and abnormal signals on the grid.
    • (c) Interpreting the audible signals.
  2. In addition to the requirements of subsection (1), a physical therapist must receive no less than the following formal education within an accredited post-secondary educational institution:
    • (a) Human dissection.
    • (b) Human physiology.
    • (c) Neurology.
    • (d) Neuro-anatomy and neuro-physiology offered at a graduate level.
    • (e) Pathological conditions.
  3. In addition to having completed the formal study requirements of subsection (2), outlined above, the physical therapist must have completed 200 hours of testing human subjects under the direct supervision of a licensed physician or licensed physical therapist who has previously met these qualifications and should be able to present evidence of having performed 100 tests on neurologically involved patients, with findings corroborated by a licensed physician or licensed physical therapist who has previously met these qualifications.

Rulemaking Authority 486.021(11), 486.025 FS. Law Implemented 486.021(11) FS. History–New 8-6-84, Formerly 21M-9.25, 21M-9.025, 21MM-6.003, 61F11-6.003, 59Y-6.003.

It further states: “Practice of physical therapy” means the performance of physical therapy assessments and the treatment of any disability, injury, disease, or other health condition of human beings, or the prevention of such disability, injury, disease, or other condition of health, and rehabilitation as related thereto by the use of the physical, chemical, and other properties of air; electricity; ……… the use of radiant energy, including ultraviolet, visible, and infrared rays; ultrasound; water; the use of apparatus and equipment in the application of the foregoing or related thereto; the performance of tests of neuromuscular functions as an aid to the diagnosis or treatment of any human condition; or the performance of electromyography as an aid to the diagnosis of any human condition only upon compliance with the criteria set forth by the Board of Medicine.

EMG/NCS Testing uses electricity and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound uses sound waves for the evaluation (testing and measurement) of the neuro-musculoskeletal system.

APTA fully supports PTs practicing EMG/NCS Testing as it is within the scope of Physical Therapy Practice. The Orthopedic Section of the APTA in a white paper not only advocates the use of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging within the scope of practice for Physical Therapy but also endorses its application both for diagnostic as well as procedural purposes to aid neuromuscular re-education, dry needling, and electroneuromyography.

Find here information about Direct Access to Physical Therapy in your state.

Here is an example of a 2016 Medicare fee schedule for a variety of diagnostic testing for a selection of CPT codes and corresponding number of units. Insurances usually pay a multiple or a percentage of the medicare fee schedule*.

call 888-447-6014 ext 1 and we will help you calculate the possible:

  • Total Reimbursement Patient & ROI (Return On Investment) For You!
  • How You Can Get Started Being Reimbursed for Diagnostics NOW

*This fee schedule was taken from the website of your regional Medicare Intermediary’s site around Sept. 2016 without modifier. Click here to view a Medicare Intermediary for your state. This fee schedule does not necessarily represent the exact amount of reimbursement you will receive as billing patterns and code selection varies. Please feel free to verify the current figures.”