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ContrastTypes of EMG Referrals Available
Depending on the complexity of the patient's problem, three types of assessments are available:
1. EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) Only:
This type of assessment is appropriate for straightforward cases of the carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathies at the elbow or common radiculopathies, or where the patient has already had a neurological assessment and where the clinical information from this assessment is provided along with the requisition with a specific question to be answered by diagnostic EMG/NCS testing.
The testing for this type of assessment would include:
- A brief clinical assessment.
- The appropriate NCS and EMG done to answer the question.
- A discussion of the test results with the patient by the EMG physician.
This type of assessment would usually take from 30 to 60 minutes, but can take up to 2 hours or more for more complex problems. A full report of the electrophysiological studies will be sent to the referring physician, usually within 10 to 14 days. Any further investigations, referrals or treatment will be left to the referring physician.
2. EMG and NCS with Limited Consult:
This type of assessment is strongly suggested for more complex situations including a patient with a brachial or lumbosacral plexopathy, a complicated entrapment neuropathy or radiculopathy, some peripheral neuropathies or myopathies. Suggestions regarding further investigations or therapy will be offered and the referring physician will follow the patient and supervise treatment afterwards. This type of assessment is also suggested for more "simple" problems if additional clinical input is desired beyond providing the results of electrodiagnostic testing.
This type of assessment includes:
- A specific clinical assessment relevant to the referring problem.
- EMG/NCS studies done depending on the clinical assessment, at the discretion of the assessing EMG physician.
- A correlation of the electrodiagnostic results with the clinical assessment is provided, as well as suggestions for further investigations and treatment of the specific referring problem as appropriate.
This type of assessment generally takes from 60 to 90 minutes, longer for more complex problems. The results and suggestions are sent back to the referring physician within 10 to 14 days. Long term follow-up of the patient is left to the referring physician.
3. EMG/NCS and Full Consult:
This type of assessment is strongly recommended for multi-system disorders with both central and peripheral nervous system involvement. It is also suggested for complicated neuromuscular conditions including plexopathies, peripheral neuropathies, myopathies and disorders of neuromuscular transmission where the patient is to be followed by the EMG physician for other investigations, treatment and clinical follow-up. This assessment is also useful for more "simple" problems if additional clinical input and treatment suggestions are desired.
This assessment consists of:
- A complete neurological assessment.
- EMG/NCS studies done based on the clinical assessment.
- A correlation of the results of EMG/NCS with the clinical assessment is provided, as well as suggestions for further investigations and treatment as appropriate. Suggestions regarding other neurological problems are also offered if appropriate.
- The follow-up and supervision of the patient for subsequent investigations and treatment will be arranged by the assessing EMG physician as appropriate.
This type of assessment takes from 1 - 2 hours. The results and suggestions will be sent out within 10 to 14 days.
The waiting times for EMG appointments depends on the complexity of the problem and the type of assessment required. For a simple referral (NCS and EMG only without a clinical assessment), the current waiting time is from 2 to 4 weeks. For more complex problems where a limited consultation is requested, the waiting time is generally between 2 to 6 weeks, whereas those assessments requiring full consultation may wait longer for an appointment.
