My attorney just called, work comp wants to send me for an EMG. I'm thinking about refusing it because I have been diagnosed with rsd and I know that an emg does not diagnose rsd and it is also extremely painful. I'm also concerned about them trying to find something else wrong with me than saying I don't have rsd and they don't pay my benefits anymore. zNothing to hide but lots to lose.....any thoughts appreciated, Jenny

If you haven't had one yet it might be a good thing?
They are sometimes used to rule out other conditions.

Like for those with TOS - the test will usually show if there is no carpal tunnel syndrome or no cubital tunnel syndrome as the cause for arm/hand sx - unless there is a double or triple crush injury.

But what does your treating dr have to say about it??
can or will he write a strong letter as to why you do not need this test?

If you must get one to make comp happy - I suggest you have it done by a doctor that your team chooses.

I just went through this and the Doctor that preformed the EMG told me that this is not even the test that they use to detect RSD. I took extra pain pills and went through with it and have not any any problems by taking the test as it is not even the correct one to begin with.

I'm so bitter about WC right now, I would welcome extraneous tests (as long as they weren't painful) just to waste some of their precious money.

There is a general rule that work comp cannot force you to do any surgery or "sort of" surgery due to the risks and pain involved.

Call your attorney and ask him or her if THIS falls within that rule, as it is true that EMG / nerve tests do have a certain measure of pain, that the little electrode guy is a small, small needle and could possibly set off more RSD pain.

Now, I have had RSD with TOS for 5 years and I've had 5 EMGs all were normal except for showing the TOS slowing at the c-8 located behind your neck, along with severe to moderate carpal tunnel which makes no sense to operate since the TOS is probably the culprit. So the long and rather uncomfortable test was I believe done just for the docs to make money. I'd never SAY this to any of them, but it's my belief.

But I would say to my attorney that with the HIGH and UNPREDICTABLE nature of RSD, that having a GUT FEELING that the EMG might bring on more symptoms is a valid reason to say "no" and should be respected and not held against you by law.

See what he says.

Good luck, RSD is sure no picnic.

Jennyk38, unless you discuss with attorney it is really a bad idea to refuse testing workers comp wants to send you for....or unless you primary care physician can prove that it would be harmful to the condition you do have. Refusing their requests for testing can open a huge can of worms that can cause you a great deal of trouble in the long run. I am not sure what "rsd" is and what causes more pain for you with it but I can tell you the EMG testing is no where near as painful as it used to be with all the new testing equipment. I just had one done about 6 months ago and they did not use needles anymore....the first one I had done 6-7 years ago they used needles and it really hurt .... now they use electrodes of some sort and things of that nature....at least that is what they used where I had mine done. Good luck and make sure you talk this over with attorney before refusing anything.

In many States it is well within your rates to refuse testing that involves an invasive procedure. Clearly an EMG involves needles and puncturing the skin. Even though this is an old post it's something you need to educate yourself about. An MRI or Xray you couldn't refuse but anything that involves possible blood born pathogens you probably can refuse. Check your state WC regs and get your moneys worth out of your attorney.

Stiffnecked, EMGs do not always use needles anymore. I just recently had one done and it used electordes that were placed on the skin and no needles were put into my skin. My EMG was requested by my own doctor and not WC but still they are getting better and less envasive at this time.