Surface Electromyography (sEMG)




Medical Policy: 02.01.15 
Original Effective Date: February 2000 
Reviewed: June 2016 
Revised: June 2016 


Benefit Application:

Benefit determinations are based on the applicable contract language in effect at the time the services were rendered. Exclusions, limitations or exceptions may apply. Benefits may vary based on contract, and individual member benefits must be verified. Wellmark determines medical necessity only if the benefit exists and no contract exclusions are applicable. This medical policy may not apply to FEP. Benefits are determined by the Federal Employee Program.

This Medical Policy document describes the status of medical technology at the time the document was developed. Since that time, new technology may have emerged or new medical literature may have been published. This Medical Policy will be reviewed regularly and be updated as scientific and medical literature becomes available.


Description:

Surface electromyography (sEMG) technologies have been studied as a complement or potential alternative to needle electromyography (nEMG) and nerve condition studies (NCS) for the investigation of neuromuscular disorders and evaluate abnormal patterns of electrical activity in the paraspinal muscles in patients with back pain symptoms such as spasm, tenderness, limited range of motion, or postural disorders. The sEMG  recording techniques vary significantly, but all involve analysis of myoelectrical signals using sensors positioned on the skin surface.

 

Surface Electromyography (sEMG)
Surface electromyography (sEMG) is also referred to as surface scanning EMG, is a non-invasive, computer-based technique that records the electrical impulses using electrodies placed on the surface of the skin overlying the nerve at rest (i.e. static) and during activity (i.e. dynamic). The procedure studies the topography of the motor unit action potential (MUAP) and is assessed by computer analysis of the frequency spectrum, amplitude or root mean square of the electrical action potential. The sEMG differs from needle electromyography (nEMG) with respect to technical requirements and electrical properties. sEMG electrodes measure from a wide area of muscle, have a relatively narrow frequency band (range 20 to 500 Hz), have a low-signal resolution, and are highly susceptible to movement artifact. The proposed use for this type of EMG is to aid in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders and low back pain, and to aid in assessing the prognosis of disorders involving muscle lesions. The technology has also been used to monitor bruxism (i.e. grinding and clenching of teeth). The electrical activity of muscle may be recorded with surface EMG, although spontaneous electrical activity and voluntary motor units cannot be.  The clinical utility of surface EMG has not been proven in the peer-reviewed medical literature.

 

High Density Surface Electromyography (HD-sEMG)
High-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG) is a non-invasive technique to measure electrical muscle activity with multiple (more than 2) closely spaced electrodes overlying a restricted area of the skin. Besides temporal activity, HD-sEMG also allows spatial EMG activity to be recorded, thus expanding the possibilities to detect new muscle characteristics. Muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) measurements and the evaluation of single motor unit (MU) characteristics come into view. In principle, HD-sEMG allows pathological changes at the MU level to be detected, especially changes in neurogenic disorders and channelopathies. The clinical effectiveness of HD-sEMG has not been established; well- designed studies are needed to ascertain the clinical utility of HD-sEMG.

 

Paraspinal EMG
The difficulty in identifying the source of pathology for most low back pain disorders has led researchers to develop new technology to help in the diagnosis of low back pain. Assessment approaches based on paraspinal surface electromyography signal techniques have been proposed to overcome some of the problems identified in other technologies. The concept is to measure and identify the presence of abnormal muscle functioning in a manner that will suggest a form of treatment.

 

Paraspinal sEMG, also referred to as paraspinal EMG scanning, has been investigated as a method of assessing the paraspinal muscles of patients which provide support to the spinal column. Impairment of the paraspinal muscles may lead to abnormal motion and pain. The paraspinal sEMG is performed using a single electrode or an array of electrodes placed on the skin surface with recordings that are typically made at rest, in various positions or after physical activity.

 

Paraspinal surface EMG (SEMG) is an office based procedure that may be most commonly used by physiatrists or chiropractors. The following clinical applications of the paraspinal sEMG have been proposed:

  • Clarification of a diagnosis (i.e. muscle, joint or disc disease)
  • Selection of a course of medical therapy
  • Selection of a type of physical therapy
  • Preoperative evaluation
  • Postoperative rehabilitation
  • Follow up of acute low back pain
  • Evaluation of exacerbation of chronic low back pain
  • Evaluation of pain management treatment techniques

The diagnostic utility of paraspinal sEMG is not known, and its role in patient management has not been established.

 

Summary
There is insufficient evidence in the medical literature to support the use of any type of surface electromyography (sEMG) as the diagnostic utility is unknown and the role in patient management has not been established. Further well-designed clinical trials are needed to standardize sEMG approaches and diagnostic algorithms, increase diagnostic performance and to assess the role of sEMG in clinical practice. Therefore this testing is considered investigational for all indications.   

 

Practice Guidelines and Position Statements 

American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM)
AANEM Evidenced Based Review: Use of Surface Electromyography in the Diagnosis and Study of Neuromuscular Disorders:

  • On the basis of two class III studies, sEMG may be useful to detect the presence of neuromuscular disease (Level C: possibly effective, ineffective or harmful for the given condition in the specified population)
  • The data are insufficient to determine the clinical utility of sEMG for distinguishing between neuropathic and myopathic conditions or for detecting the more specific neuromuscular conditions of post-poliomyelitis syndrome, pathologic fasciculations, acquired demyelinating peripheral neuropathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myotonic dystrophy, and hypokalemic periodic paralsysis (Level U: data inadequate or conflicting given current knowledge, treatment is unproven)
  • The data are insufficient to address the question of disease severity detectable by sEMG (Level U: data inadequate or conflicting given current knowledge, treatment is unproven)
  • The data are insufficient to compare diagnostic utility of sEMG with the conventional technologies of nEMG, NCS and muscle ultrasonography (Level U: data inadequate or conflicting given current knowledge, treatment is unproven)        

Further research is necessary to determine the clinical utility of sEMG in the diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases and in the differentiation of primary myopathic and neuropathic conditions.

 

American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM)
In a 2011 guideline from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), surface electromyography is not recommended as a technique for diagnosing low back disorders due to insufficient evidence of efficacy.


Prior Approval:

 

Not applicable


Policy:

Surface electromyography (sEMG) including but not limited to the following, for any indication is considered investigational.

  • Paraspinal surface electromyography (sEMG) also referred to as paraspinal EMG scanning
  • Surface electromyography (sEMG) also referred to as surface scanning EMG (dynamic sEMG/static sEMG)
  • High-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG)

There is insufficient evidence in the medical literature to support the use of any type of surface electromyography (sEMG) as the diagnostic utility is unknown and the role in patient management has not been established. Further well-designed clinical trials are needed to standardize sEMG approaches and diagnostic algorithms, increase diagnostic performance and to assess the role of sEMG in clinical practice. Therefore this testing is considered investigational for all indications.



Procedure Codes and Billing Guidelines:

  • To report provider services, use appropriate CPT* codes, Modifiers, Alpha Numeric (HCPCS level 2) codes, Revenue codes, and/or diagnosis codes. 
  • S3900 Surface electromyography (EMG)
  • 96002 Dynamic surface electromyography, during walking or other functional activities 1-12 muscles
  • 96004 Review and interpretation by physician or other qualified health care professional of comprehensive computer based motion analysis, dynamic plantar pressure measurements, dynamic surface electromyography during walking or other functional activities and dynamic fine wire electromyography with written report  

Selected References:

  • Hemingway MA, Biedermann H-J, Inglis J. Electromyographic Recordings of Paraspinal muscles: Variations Related to Subcutaneous Tissue Thickness. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, vol. 20, no.1, 1995:39-49. 
  • Roy SH, Oddsson LI. Classification of Paraspinal Muscle Impairments by Surface Electromyography. Physical Therapy, vol.78, no. 8, Aug1998:838-851. 
  • Pullman SL, Goodin DS, et al. Clinical Utility of surface EMG: report of the therapeutics and technology assessment subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.   Neurology. 2000 Jul 25;55(2):171-7.
  • Merlo A, Farina D, Member, IEEE, Merletti R. A fast reliable technique for muscle activity detection from surface EMG signals. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering 2003;50(3):316-323.
  • Lehman GJ.Clinical considerations in the use of surface eletromyographpy: Three experimental studies. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2002;25:293-299.
  • Lariviere C, Arsenault AB, Gravel D, Gagnon D, Loisel P, Vadeboncoeur R. Elecromyographic assessment of back muscle weakness and muscle composition: Reliability and validity issues. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:1206-1214.
  • Stokes IAF, Henry SM, Single RM. Surface EMG electrodes do not accurately record from lumber multifidus muscles. Clinical Biomechanics 2003;18:9-1.
  • American Academy of Neurology, Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee Report; Clinical Utility of Surface EMG. © 2002
  • ECRIExternal Site Surface Electromyography for Evaluating Back Pain. Plymouth Meeting (PA): ECRI Health Technology Information Service; 2008 March 18. 11p.
  • American Academy of Neurology Clinical Utility of Surface EMGExternal Site Technology assessment report. Neurology2000 July 25;55(2):171-7. This information is current as of April 10, 2009.
  • Enomoto M, Ukegawa D, Sakaki K, et al. Increase in paravertebral muscle activity in lumbar kyphosis patients by surface electromyography compared with lumbar spinal canal stenosis patients and healthy volunteers. J Spinal Disord Tech. 2012 Aug;25(6):E167-73.
  • Meekins G, So Y, Quan D. American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine Evidenced Based Review: Use of Surface Electromyography in the Diagnosis and Study of Neuromuscular Disorders, April 2008
  • Neblett R, Brede E, Mayer TG et al. What is the best surface EMG measure of lumbar flexion-relaxation for distinguishing chronic low back pain patients from pain-free controls? Clin J Pain 2013; 29(4):334-40.
  • National Guideline Clearinghouse. American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), Low Back Disorders, 2011. p. 333-796
  • Drost G, Stegeman DF, van Engelen BG, Zwarts MJ. Clinical applications of high-density surface EMG: a systematic review. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2006;Dec:16(6):586-602. PMID 17085302
  • Jones SL, Hitt JR, DeSarno MJ, et. al. Individuals with non-specific low back pain in an active episode demonstrate temporally altered torque responses and direction-specific enhanced muscle activity following unexpected balance pertubations. Exp Brain Res. 2015 Sept:221(4):413-26 PMID 22875027
  • Sheeran L, Sparkes V, Caterson B, et. al. Spinal position sense and trunk muscle activity during sitting and standing in nonspecific chronic low back pain: classification analysis. Spine 2012 Apr 15:37(8):E486-95. PMID 22024899
  • Hanada EY, Johnson M, Hubley-Kozey C. A comparison of trunk muscle activation amplitudes during gait in older adults with and without chronic back pain. PM R 2011 Oct 3(10):920-8. PMID 22024323
  • Neblett R, Brede E, Mayer TG, et. al. What is the best surface EMG measure of lumbar flexion-relaxation for distinguishing chronic low back pain patients from pain-free controls? Clin J Pain 2013 Apr:29(4):334-40. PMID 23328325
  • Mohseni Bandpei MA, Rahmani N, Majdoleslam B, et. al. Reliability of surface electromyography in the assessment of paraspinal muscle fatigue: an update systemic review. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2014 Sep;37(7):510-21. PMID 25204717
  • Hu Y, Kwok JW, Tse JY, et. al. Time-varying surface electromyography topography as a prognostic tool for chronic low back pain rehabilitation. Spine J 2014 Jun 1:14(6):1049-56. PMID 24530438
  • Hung CC, Shen TW, Liang CC, et. al. Using surface electromyography (SEMG) to classify low back pain based on lifting capacity evaluation with principal component analysis neural network method. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2014;2014:18-21. PMID 25569886
  • Van Damme B, Stevens V, Perneel C, et. al . A surface electromyography based objective method to identify patients with nonspecific low back pain, presenting a flexion related movement control impairment. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2014 Dec;24(6):954-64. PMID 25304196      
  • American Chiropractic Association Coding Policy, Coding for Surface Electromyography. 2015 American Chiropractic Association
  • Zhou P, Xiaoyan L, Jahanmiri-Nezhad F, et. al. Duration of observation required in detecting fasciculation potentials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using high-density surface EMG. Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation 2012, 9:78
  • Rojas-Martinez M, Mananas M, Alonso J. High-density surface EMG maps from upper arm and forearm muscles. Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation 2012, 9:85
  • van de Steeg C, Daffertshofer A, Stegeman D, et. al. High-density surface electromyography improves the identification of oscillatory synaptic inputs to motoneurons. J Appl Physiol 116: 1263-1271, 2014
  • Hu X, Suresh NL, Xue C, et. al. Extracting extensor digitorum communis activation patterns using high-density surface electromyography. Front Physiol 2015 Oct 6:6:279. PMID 26500558

Policy History:

  • June 2016 - Annual review, Policy revised
  • July 2015 - Annual review, Policy renewed
  • July 2014 - Annual review, Policy renewed
  • September 2013 - Annual review, Policy renewed
  • October 2012 - Annual review, Policy renewed
  • October 2011 - Annual review, Policy renewed
  • September 2010 - Annual review, Policy renewed

Wellmark medical policies address the complex issue of technology assessment of new and emerging treatments, devices, drugs, etc.   They are developed to assist in administering plan benefits and constitute neither offers of coverage nor medical advice. Wellmark medical policies contain only a partial, general description of plan or program benefits and do not constitute a contract. Wellmark does not provide health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. Participating providers are independent contractors in private practice and are neither employees nor agents of Wellmark or its affiliates. Treating providers are solely responsible for medical advice and treatment of members. Our medical policies may be updated and therefore are subject to change without notice.

*Current Procedural Terminology © 2012 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved.