Frequently Asked Questions
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ACEWM Electrodiagnostic Special Interest Group FAQs
What is the difference in practice guidelines between an ABPTS board certified physical therapist and a physical therapist who is not a board-certified, but approved by the state board to perform EMG?
An ABPTS board certified PT meets the requirements to take a board examination (https://specialization.apta.org/become-a-specialist/minimum-requirements) and completes requirements to maintain certification. (https://specialization.apta.org/maintain-certification/maintenance). A non-ECS board-certified PT may have limitations on practice guidelines depending on the state’s practice act.
Are Physical Therapists reimbursed by federal and private insurance payors for EMG/NCS?
ECS board-certified PTs are reimbursed for Medicare and private insurance payors. Non-ECS board certified PTs are not reimbursed by Medicare for the professional component of the EMG/NCS and may have limitations with other private insurance payors depending on their individual policies.
What organizations and accrediting bodies support physical therapists performing EMG & NCS?
Please visit the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services website for more information. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Payment/PhysicianFeeSched/Diagnostic-Services-by-Physical-Therapists
What do I have to do to become a ABPTS clinical electrophysiology specialist?
Information regarding the application process can be found on the ABPTS website:
https://specialization.apta.org/become-a-specialist/clinical-electrophysiology
https://specialization.apta.org/become-a-specialist/minimum-requirements