Physical therapists are the ideal providers of nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography (NCS/EMG) because of their unique education and training. Physical therapists are the experts in evaluating musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions that interfere with movement and function. They then make recommendations on the plan of care for the patient, including if the patient should seek specialty care from another provider. Here are some highlighted facts:

• History
  Physical therapists have performed NCS/EMG since the 1960's.
  In 1985, the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties was the first national organization to offer voluntary board certification in NCS/EMG. Currently, there are 135 board-certified clinical electrophysiologic physical therapists in the country.
• Education and training
  Graduating with at least a bachelor's degree is required to enter a physical therapy school. Most physical therapy schools are three-year graduate programs offering a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
  The basic knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform NCS/EMG are taught in physical therapy school. Physical therapists who go onto performing NCS/EMG receive additional training under supervision from a qualified provider.
  It takes at least 10 years of higher education, professional school, licensure, and training to be eligible for board certification.
• Patient safety
  Physical therapists who perform NCS/EMG have no malpractice claims or licensing board complaints filed in the past 50 years. Also, there are no criminal indictments or convictions of physical therapists providing NCS/EMG insurance fraud. Other providers of NCS/EMG services can't make these statements.
• Regulations
  Most state licensing boards allow physical therapists to perform NCS/EMG. Most insurance companies including Medicare recognize and pay physical therapists for performing NCS/EMG tests.
• Quality
  Physical therapists have higher rates for following the recommended NCS/EMG clinical practice guidelines as compared to physician groups.