G455 – Technical component of complete EMG/NCS procedure
OHIP Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedures Code — DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
This fee code represents the technical component of a complete electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study procedure (Schedule A). The service involves conduction studies on two or more nerves presumed to be involved in a disease process, along with EMG studies of appropriate muscles and/or detailed studies of neuromuscular transmission as necessary. It also includes comparative studies of a normal nerve or the opposite side if needed. This procedure must be performed using intramuscular placement of a recording needle electrode. A permanent record of the procedure, including measurements of evoked latency, conduction velocity, and amplitude, must be maintained in the patient's chart.
When to Use
- Use G455 when you are billing for the technical component of a full EMG/NCS study performed by a technician under your supervision using intramuscular needle electrodes.
- Use this code specifically when the study involves at least two nerves and corresponding muscle EMG, as required by the Schedule A definition.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing G455 on the same day as G471 will result in an automatic rejection, as these are mutually exclusive services.
- Attempting to bill a consultation or assessment code alongside G455 for a direct referral is a common audit trigger unless a separate, medically necessary consultation was explicitly requested by the referring physician.
- Using surface electrodes instead of intramuscular needle electrodes invalidates the claim for G455, as the code definition strictly requires needle placement.
Billing Tips
- Always pair G455 with the professional component code G456 to ensure the complete procedure is captured and reimbursed correctly.
- If the procedure is performed within a hospital setting, ensure your billing software applies the 86.10% payment adjustment for the technical component as per GP11.
Effective: April 1, 2026
J. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES
Diagnostic
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
A permanent record of the procedure must be maintained in the patient chart.
This is the technical component of a Schedule A procedure, paired with the professional component G456.
When patients are referred directly for this test, a consultation or assessment by the diagnostic physician is not payable unless a medically necessary consultation or assessment is specifically requested by the referring provider.
If a physician owns the EMG/NCS equipment and employs and supervises a technician, the technical component is payable to the physician.
The procedure must use intramuscular placement of a recording needle electrode. Surface EMG or other techniques are not eligible for payment.
A nerve conduction study includes measuring evoked latency, conduction velocity, and amplitude. Additional recordings like late responses or reflexes are included in the service if rendered.
A permanent record of the procedure must be maintained.
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