G456 – Professional component of complete needle electromyography and nerve conduction studies
OHIP Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedures Code — DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES · Schedule of Benefits
Professional component of a Schedule A complete needle electromyography (EMG) procedure. This service includes conduction studies on two or more nerves presumed to be involved in the disease process, along with EMG studies of appropriate muscles, and/or detailed studies of neuromuscular transmission. As necessary, it includes studying a normal nerve and/or the opposite side for comparison. As per the preamble on page , this service requires the use of an intramuscular recording needle electrode. A permanent record of the procedure must be maintained. When referred directly for testing, an assessment or consultation by the diagnostic physician is not payable unless separately and medically necessarily requested by the referring provider.
When to Use
- Use G456 when performing a comprehensive diagnostic workup including both nerve conduction studies on at least two nerves and needle EMG of relevant muscles for conditions like radiculopathy or polyneuropathy.
- Use this code for the professional component when you personally perform or supervise the needle EMG and NCS procedure in a facility where you own the equipment and employ the technician.
Common Pitfalls
- Billing G456 in conjunction with a consultation or assessment code (e.g., A007) is a common audit trigger unless the referring physician explicitly requested a separate clinical consultation in addition to the diagnostic test.
- Submitting G456 for surface EMG procedures is a direct violation of the Schedule A requirements, which mandate the use of an intramuscular recording needle electrode.
- Failing to document the specific nerves and muscles tested in the permanent record will lead to clawbacks, as G456 requires evidence of a complete study.
Billing Tips
- Ensure the referral specifically requests the EMG/NCS procedure to justify the diagnostic service, as G456 is strictly a diagnostic procedure code and not an evaluation and management service.
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.
Schedule A - Complete procedure i.e. conduction studies on two or more nerves presumed to be involved in the disease process together with EMG studies of appropriate muscles, as necessary and/or detailed studies of neuromuscular transmission. It also includes as necessary study of normal nerve and/or opposite side for comparison.
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