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Consensus & Practice Policy Guidelines
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July 2011 - Volume 30
Sensory Pain Fiber Electrodiagnostic (EDX) Medicine Guidelines
RESOURCE FOR PHYSICIANS AND THIRD-PARTY PAYERS
Pain fiber nerve conduction study (pf-NCS) electrodiagnostic examinations (EDX) are an important extension of the clinical evaluation of patients with neurosensory disorders of the nervous system. As a crucial part of the patient evaluation, a pf-NCS helps the provider arrive at an accurate diagnosis, and to follow the disease process and its response to treatment. As a part of a relatively new branch of medicine, a pf-NCS may be subject to confusion, especially by third-party payers. In order to improve quality of patient care, encourage appropriate utilization, and aid third-party payers, these guidelines serve as a reliable source to access the consensus of providers certified in pf-NCS EDX and clarify the neurophysiology, nomenclature, test algorithms and protocols. Additionally, the guidelines furnish authoritative information on coding, reporting, legal decisions and research.
GUIDELINES FORMAT
Section #1 reviews small sensory nerve fiber physiology, as it relates to pf-NCSs EDXs. It explains the importance of a pf-NCS in light of the limitations of conventional EDX methods, and reviews the similarities and differences between testing algorithms of small pain and large fiber EDX. This section reviews code descriptors, authoritative interpretations, and U.S. Congressional mandates.
Section #2 reviews the consensus formed by physicians certified in pf-NCS as it concerns indications, diagnostic codes, reporting and billing. Last, will be found a list of links to pf-NCS peer-reviewed studies and studies presented at national medical scientific meetings.
Sensory Pain Fiber Electrodiagnostic (EDX) Medicine Guidelines
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