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Patient FAQs
You have been referred for specialized nerve and muscle testing because you may be experiencing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, and/or muscle cramping. When your referring doctor or healthcare provider suspects that your symptoms may be related to nerve or muscle dysfunction, our electrodiagnostic testing can help pinpoint the underlying cause and provide your referring provider with the detailed information needed to develop an effective treatment plan.
Since 1989, Bingham Nerve & Muscle has specialized exclusively in EMG and NCS testing. Because our physicians focus solely on electrodiagnostic medicine, we conduct thousands of EMG and NCS tests every year. Thus, our physicians have extensive experience with both very common conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and rare disorders that other EMG clinics may never encounter. Additionally, our physicians regularly consult with one another on the most complex cases, ensuring you receive the benefit of our collective expertise.
See our website at www.NerveAndMuscle.com
The purpose of the NCS test is to determine how quickly electric signals move through a particular nerve. This test is used to diagnose nerve injury or dysfunction. The NCS may be performed by the physician or certified nerve conduction technologist. Surface electrodes, like those used for an electrocardiogram, are placed on the skin over the nerve at various locations. One electrode stimulates the nerve with a very mild electrical impulse. The resulting electrical activity is recorded by the other electrodes. The NCS is often done in conjunction with Electromyography.
Electromyography (EMG) refers to a medical test that measures the electrical activity of muscles and the nerves that control them. The test is performed by a physician while you lie on a treatment table or sitting comfortably. A very small needle (similar to an acupuncture needle) is inserted into a muscle just beneath the skin. The electrical activity in that muscle is recorded while the muscle is relaxed. The needle may be moved to record the activity in different muscles.
During the EMG portion of the test, most patients describe the feeling as a brief pinprick and slight muscle contraction. For the nerve conduction studies, patients often feel small electrical pulses that last less than a second; most compare it to brief tingling sensation.
The overwhelmingly consistent feedback we receive is that patients were pleasantly surprised by how tolerable the testing was. Nearly all tell us afterward that “it wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected” and that they were worried unnecessarily. Our experienced staff also provides ongoing reassurance and explanation throughout the procedure to keep patients comfortable and informed.
EMG and NCS are generally very safe procedures with minimal side effects.
Possible side effects:
- Slight discomfort during the test.
- Minimal bruising or temporary soreness.
Absolutely! We completely understand that many patients feel anxious about EMG and NCS testing, especially if this is their first time. We genuinely want to hear from you and address any concerns you may have.
If you have questions before your appointment, please don’t hesitate to call us at 800-224-1807. One of our clinical specialists will take the time to talk with you, answer your questions, and help ease any worries.
On the day of your appointment, our physicians and technologists encourage you to ask questions at any point during the procedure. They’ll explain what they’re doing and why, helping you feel informed and comfortable throughout the testing. If at any time you’re experiencing discomfort or need to stop, just let us know—we can pause or stop the test as needed.
Your comfort and peace of mind are priorities for us. We’re here to support you every step of the way and ensure your experience at Bingham Nerve & Muscle is as positive as possible.
While non-physician practitioners who perform EMG and NCS are skilled professionals with specialized training, medical doctors bring additional advantages to electrodiagnostic testing. Physicians have extensive training in anatomy, pathology, and differential diagnosis, allowing them to identify a broader range of potential causes for your symptoms, including complex neurological conditions, systemic diseases, or rare disorders that might be overlooked. Their comprehensive medical background enables them to provide your referring physician with more detailed diagnostic insights and recommendations. This thorough evaluation ensures your referring doctor has the complete information needed to develop the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition.
Yes, we are exceptionally proud that our EMG clinics are fully accredited by the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM), the gold standard for electrodiagnostic medicine accreditation. What truly sets us apart is that every one of our clinic locations has achieved Exemplary Status – the highest level of accreditation possible and a distinction earned by only the most outstanding electrodiagnostic facilities in the country.
This rigorous accreditation process evaluates everything from physician qualifications and equipment standards to patient safety protocols and quality assurance measures. Our Exemplary Status designation reflects our unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality electrodiagnostic testing available, ensuring you receive the most accurate results and exceptional care at every location.
The combined muscle and nerve testing takes about 30-60 minutes depending on the extent of testing needed for your specific condition.
Yes, take your usual medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
No.
You will not need a driver for this test. However, if your medical condition or medications use requires that you have a driver you should follow those recommendations.
Please take a bath or shower to remove oil from your skin. To save time and improve the quality of the test results, do not use body lotion or powder on the areas to be tested on the day of your test. Makeup on the face is fine and will not affect the testing results.
It is best to wear loose-fitting clothing that is easy to remove. Please bring or wear loose-fitting shorts and a t-shirt if you wish. We also have disposable shorts and gowns available for our patients.
Please bring your insurance cards and a valid form of identification.
We understand your time is valuable. We do our best to reduce any waiting time to an absolute minimum. Occasionally, we need a little more time with a patient, but we try our best to get you in and out of the office in a timely manner so you can get on with your day.
The physicians at Bingham Nerve & Muscle will review your test results once the testing is completed. Thus, your results will not be available at the time of your EMG appointment. Your EMG test results are faxed to your referring healthcare provider within 24 hours. Your healthcare provider will use the EMG results, along with other exams and tests, to help determine an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, if needed.
At Bingham Nerve & Muscle, we accept nearly all forms of health insurance including Medicare, Medicaid (Tennessee and Mississippi Medicaid plans), TriCare, and VA Community Care Network (VCCN). We are also in-network with most commercial carriers (e.g., Cigna, United Healthcare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Oscar, and Ambetter). Our billing team verifies benefits and obtains prior authorizations when required. We’ll contact you if there are any coverage issues that might affect your care. We understand that financial considerations can be a concern with medical tests. If cost is an issue, please reach out to us—we may be able to work with you on payment options or discuss your situation. For any questions about insurance coverage, feel free to call us at 800.224.1807.
- Four years of college.
- Four years of medical school.
- Four years of residency training in neurology or physical medicine and rehabilitation.
- Board certification or eligible in neurology or physical medicine and rehabilitation.
- Board certification or eligible in electrodiagnostic medicine (ABEM).
Call 800.224.1807
We are open for calls Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Standard Time.
Call 800.224.1807
Call us ASAP so that we can get your tests completed before you return to your referring healthcare provider.
We completely understand that life happens, and sometimes you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Whether it’s due to illness, family emergencies, work conflicts, or other unexpected circumstances, we’re here to work with you.
If you’re feeling anxious or concerned about the testing procedure, please don’t hesitate to call us. Our staff is happy to discuss what to expect and address any worries you may have. Many patients find that talking through their concerns beforehand makes them feel much more comfortable about their appointment.
The one thing we kindly ask is that you please call us if you need to cancel rather than simply not showing up. When we don’t hear from you, it prevents another patient who may be in pain or worried about their symptoms from getting the testing they need sooner. Your courtesy in calling helps us serve other patients who are waiting for answers about their health.
We’re always here to help and want to make this process as easy as possible for you. Just give us a call at 800-224-1807 and we’ll take care of everything.
