CPT 51785: Anal or Urethral Sphincter Electromyography

Medicare pays $272 on average nationally for this procedure.

CPT code 51785 is an electromyography (EMG) study that measures electrical activity of the anal or urethral sphincter muscles to evaluate neuromuscular function related to pelvic floor and urinary continence issues; the service is a diagnostic neurophysiology study typically performed in an ambulatory clinic, specialized pelvic floor clinic, or hospital outpatient setting using perineal or needle electrode techniques to record sphincter muscle activity.

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CPT 51785: Anal or Urethral Sphincter Electromyography

Medicare pays $272 on average nationally for this procedure.

Customize your policy alerts

Sign up for cpt 51785 policy alerts

Get alerted when payer policies referencing 51785 are released or updated.

Monitor payer policy activity

Receive email alerts as soon as relevant payer policies are published or updated.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A typical patient is a 58-year-old female referred to a urogynecology or colorectal motility clinic for evaluation of fecal incontinence and reported leakage with urgency. Prior conservative therapies (dietary modification, pelvic floor physical therapy, and topical agents) have not resolved symptoms. The clinician orders 51785 (anal or urethral sphincter electromyography) to assess neuromuscular function of the external anal sphincter and pelvic floor or the urethral sphincter complex. The procedure is performed in an outpatient electrodiagnostic laboratory or ambulatory surgery center. The workflow includes informed consent, focused history and targeted neurologic exam, positioning (left lateral decubitus for anal testing or lithotomy for urethral testing), skin preparation, placement of concentric needle electrodes into the sphincter(s), recording of spontaneous activity and voluntary motor unit potential recruitment, and interpretation by a physician credentialed in electromyography. Results guide diagnosis of pudendal neuropathy, sphincter denervation, motor unit recruitment disorders, or neuromuscular junction abnormalities and inform subsequent management such as sacral neuromodulation candidacy, pelvic floor therapy adjustments, or referral to neurology or colorectal surgery. Typical documentation includes indication, informed consent, sites tested, electrode type, findings (spontaneous activity, recruitment patterns, motor unit potentials), comparison to normative values if available, and a signed interpretive report.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`51784`	Electromyography, anal sphincter; needle	Performed when needle EMG is targeted specifically to the anal sphincter; may be coded when testing is limited or unilateral compared with `51785`
`51786`	Electromyography, urethral sphincter; needle	Closely related for primary evaluation of the urethral sphincter; may be performed alongside `51785` when both anal and urethral sphincters are assessed
`51701`	Biofeedback training, perineal muscles, 1 hour	Often follows EMG testing as a therapeutic intervention when muscle recruitment deficits are identified
`95905`	Short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study; upper/lower limbs	May be performed in a broader neuromuscular workup to assess conduction pathways when neuropathy is suspected
`99070`	Supplies and materials, noncovered, used during the procedure	Used for billing of special disposable supplies (needles, electrodes) if payer allows separate supply charges

Related Modifiers

5 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
26	Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…	- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
59	Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…	- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
53	Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…	- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
63	Modifier‑63 is appended to surgical CPT codes (20000–69990) when a procedure is performed on a neonate or infant weighing ≤ 4 kg (about 8.8 lbs). The AMA/AAPC definition specifies this use and notes…	- Use modifier -63 only for surgical procedures in the CPT 20000–69990 series performed on a neonate or infant who weighs ≤ 4 kg at the time of the procedure; it indicates increased complexity due to…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207RH0000X	Hematology (Internal Medicine) Physician	An internist with additional training who specializes in diseases of the blood, spleen and lymph. This specialist treats conditions such as anemia, cl…
207L00000X	Anesthesiology Physician	An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
1835I0206X	Infectious Diseases Pharmacist	A licensed pharmacist who has demonstrated specialized knowledge and skill in the use of microbiology and pharmacology to develop, implement, and moni…
2080P0201X	Pediatric Allergy/Immunology Physician	A pediatrician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, allergic reactions, and immunologic diseases in children.
101200000X	Drama Therapist	Drama therapists are trained in the intentional use of drama and theatre processes to achieve therapeutic goals. Drama therapists provide psychotherap…
133VN1004X	Pediatric Nutrition Registered Dietitian	An individual who is a Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition and applies evidence-based nutrition knowledge in providing medical nutrition…
235500000X	Speech/Language/Hearing Specialist/Technologist	General classification identifying individuals who are trained on a specific piece of equipment or technical procedure.
364SA2200X	Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist	Physician Assistants & Advanced Practice Nursing Providers · Clinical Nurse Specialist

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

26 rows

ICD-10-CM Code	Description
F42.9	Obsessive-compulsive disorder, unspecified
G47.33	Obstructive sleep apnea (adult) (pediatric)
K62.5	Hemorrhage of anus and rectum
N31.8	Other neuromuscular dysfunction of bladder
N31.9	Neuromuscular dysfunction of bladder, unspecified
N36.1	Urethral diverticulum
N39.0	Urinary tract infection, site not specified
N39.3	Stress incontinence (female) (male)
N39.41	Urge incontinence
N39.42	Incontinence without sensory awareness

Showing 1–10 of 26

CPT 51725: Cystometry to Measure Bladder Capacity and Pressure

CPT-51726-CYSTOMETRY-BLADDER-PRESSURE-TESTING

CPT 51726: Cystometry to Measure Bladder Capacity and Pressure

CPT-51727-COMPLEX-CYSTOMETROGRAM-URETHRAL-PRESSURE-PROFILE

CPT 51727: Complex Cystometrogram with Urethral Pressure Profile

CPT-51728-COMPLEX-CYSTOMETROGRAM-VOIDING-PRESSURE-STUDIES

CPT 51728: Complex Cystometrogram with Voiding Pressure Studies

CPT-51729-COMPLEX-CYSTOMETROGRAM-VOIDING-URETHRAL-PRESSURE-PROFILE

CPT 51729: Complex Cystometrogram with Voiding and Urethral Pressure Studies

CPT-51736-UROFLOWMETRY-URODYNAMIC-FLOW-STUDY

CPT 51736: Uroflowmetry (Urine Flow Measurement)

CPT-51741-UROFLOWMETRY-URINARY-FLOW-MEASUREMENT

CPT 51741: Uroflowmetry (Urine Flow Rate)

CPT-51784-ANAL-OR-URETHRAL-SPHINCTER-ELECTRICAL-ACTIVITY-TESTING

CPT 51784: EMG of Anal or Urethral Sphincter Muscles

CPT-51792-SPHINCTER-ELECTROMYOGRAPHY-ANAL-URETHRAL

CPT 51792: Anal or Urethral Sphincter Electromyography

CPT-51797-VOIDING-PRESSURE-URODYNAMIC-TEST

CPT 51797: Voiding Pressure (Leak Point Pressure) Study

Showing 1–10 of 11

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`51784`	Electromyography, anal sphincter; needle	Performed when needle EMG is targeted specifically to the anal sphincter; may be coded when testing is limited or unilateral compared with `51785`
`51786`	Electromyography, urethral sphincter; needle	Closely related for primary evaluation of the urethral sphincter; may be performed alongside `51785` when both anal and urethral sphincters are assessed
`51701`	Biofeedback training, perineal muscles, 1 hour	Often follows EMG testing as a therapeutic intervention when muscle recruitment deficits are identified
`95905`	Short-latency somatosensory evoked potential study; upper/lower limbs	May be performed in a broader neuromuscular workup to assess conduction pathways when neuropathy is suspected
`99070`	Supplies and materials, noncovered, used during the procedure	Used for billing of special disposable supplies (needles, electrodes) if payer allows separate supply charges

Related Modifiers

5 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
26	Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…	- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
59	Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…	- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
53	Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…	- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
63	Modifier‑63 is appended to surgical CPT codes (20000–69990) when a procedure is performed on a neonate or infant weighing ≤ 4 kg (about 8.8 lbs). The AMA/AAPC definition specifies this use and notes…	- Use modifier -63 only for surgical procedures in the CPT 20000–69990 series performed on a neonate or infant who weighs ≤ 4 kg at the time of the procedure; it indicates increased complexity due to…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207RH0000X	Hematology (Internal Medicine) Physician	An internist with additional training who specializes in diseases of the blood, spleen and lymph. This specialist treats conditions such as anemia, cl…
207L00000X	Anesthesiology Physician	An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
1835I0206X	Infectious Diseases Pharmacist	A licensed pharmacist who has demonstrated specialized knowledge and skill in the use of microbiology and pharmacology to develop, implement, and moni…
2080P0201X	Pediatric Allergy/Immunology Physician	A pediatrician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, allergic reactions, and immunologic diseases in children.
101200000X	Drama Therapist	Drama therapists are trained in the intentional use of drama and theatre processes to achieve therapeutic goals. Drama therapists provide psychotherap…
133VN1004X	Pediatric Nutrition Registered Dietitian	An individual who is a Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition and applies evidence-based nutrition knowledge in providing medical nutrition…
235500000X	Speech/Language/Hearing Specialist/Technologist	General classification identifying individuals who are trained on a specific piece of equipment or technical procedure.
364SA2200X	Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist	Physician Assistants & Advanced Practice Nursing Providers · Clinical Nurse Specialist

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

26 rows

ICD-10-CM Code	Description
F42.9	Obsessive-compulsive disorder, unspecified
G47.33	Obstructive sleep apnea (adult) (pediatric)
K62.5	Hemorrhage of anus and rectum
N31.8	Other neuromuscular dysfunction of bladder
N31.9	Neuromuscular dysfunction of bladder, unspecified
N36.1	Urethral diverticulum
N39.0	Urinary tract infection, site not specified
N39.3	Stress incontinence (female) (male)
N39.41	Urge incontinence
N39.42	Incontinence without sensory awareness

Showing 1–10 of 26

CPT 51725: Cystometry to Measure Bladder Capacity and Pressure

CPT-51726-CYSTOMETRY-BLADDER-PRESSURE-TESTING

CPT 51726: Cystometry to Measure Bladder Capacity and Pressure

CPT-51727-COMPLEX-CYSTOMETROGRAM-URETHRAL-PRESSURE-PROFILE

CPT 51727: Complex Cystometrogram with Urethral Pressure Profile

CPT-51728-COMPLEX-CYSTOMETROGRAM-VOIDING-PRESSURE-STUDIES

CPT 51728: Complex Cystometrogram with Voiding Pressure Studies

CPT-51729-COMPLEX-CYSTOMETROGRAM-VOIDING-URETHRAL-PRESSURE-PROFILE

CPT 51729: Complex Cystometrogram with Voiding and Urethral Pressure Studies

CPT-51736-UROFLOWMETRY-URODYNAMIC-FLOW-STUDY

CPT 51736: Uroflowmetry (Urine Flow Measurement)

CPT-51741-UROFLOWMETRY-URINARY-FLOW-MEASUREMENT

CPT 51741: Uroflowmetry (Urine Flow Rate)

CPT-51784-ANAL-OR-URETHRAL-SPHINCTER-ELECTRICAL-ACTIVITY-TESTING

CPT 51784: EMG of Anal or Urethral Sphincter Muscles

CPT-51792-SPHINCTER-ELECTROMYOGRAPHY-ANAL-URETHRAL

CPT 51792: Anal or Urethral Sphincter Electromyography

CPT-51797-VOIDING-PRESSURE-URODYNAMIC-TEST

CPT 51797: Voiding Pressure (Leak Point Pressure) Study

Showing 1–10 of 11

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

OpenPayer

CPT 51785: Anal or Urethral Sphincter Electromyography

Sign up for cpt 51785 policy alerts

OpenPayer

CPT 51785: Anal or Urethral Sphincter Electromyography

Sign up for cpt 51785 policy alerts

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Codes

References