Frequently Asked Questions

What is intraoperative monitoring? | What kind of procedures are performed? |
Why use Intraoperative Monitoring? | What will the END technologist do during my surgery? |
What type of education and training do END Technologists have? |
Will I be billed for Intraoperative Monitoring?
 

What is Intraoperative Monitoring?
Intraoperative monitoring is a field of Electroneurodiagnostic Technology devoted to the recording and study of electrival activity of the brain and nervous system during operative procedures. Technologists are present during surgery to record electrical activity arising form the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves using a variety of techniques and instruments. These recordings are reported to the surgeon and supervising electrodiagnostic physician.
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What kind of procedures are performed during Intraoperative Monitoring?

click here for a list of commonly monitored procedures

The Electroencephalogram (EEG)
This is a recording of the on-going electrical activity of the brain. EEG's assist in the diagnosis of various brain disorders and assures the surgeon that the brain is receiving enough oxygen during surgery on the arteries.

The Evoked Potential (EP)
An EP is a recording of electrical activity from the brain, spinal nerves, and peripheral nerves that occurs in direct response to external stimuli. EP waveforms require sophisticated computer equipment to extract data that will allow physicians to determine the functional status of these pathways. This test is commonly performed by the technologist during surgery on the spine to help the surgeon make sure nerves are not damaged during the operation.

Pedical Screw Testing
These studies assist surgeons during placement of hardware during some fusion procedures in spine surgery. Surgeons place a probe over the pedical screw to deliver a small electrical current. This helps to verify that no breach or crack in the bone occurred during screw placement.

Electromyopraphy (EMG)
These studies evaluate electrical potentials from spinal nerve roots and peripheral nerves. Technologists place electrodes over muscles in the arms or legs and then monitor muscle activity during surgery. This helps the surgeon make sure nerves are not damaged during some surgical procedures.

Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)
The studies evaluate electrical potentials from peripheral nerves. Technologists (or surgeons) stimulate the nerve with an electrical current and then record how long it takes the nerve impulse to reach the muscle.

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Why is my surgeon using Introperative Monitoring?
Your surgeon recognizes the advantage of electroneurodiagnostic testing and monitoring as another safeguard during surgery, in addition to his / her own technical and surgical skills. This is a reflection of your surgeon's conscientous attempts to provide state of the art technology to maximize the outcome of your procedure.
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What will the Electroneurodiagnostic (END) Technologist do during my surgery?
The END Technologist will consult with your surgeon prior to surgery to verify the type of surgery you will be having and which type of monitoring is indicated. The END Technologist will then meet you prior to surgery to apply the necessary monitoring equipment. After this, the surgery will commence as usual while the END Technologist remains present in the operating room to respond to the monitoring results. The findings are always reported to the surgeon and the supervising electrodiagnostic physician. Please note the the END Technologist will not perform any part of your surgery and will not interfere with your procedure in any way.
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What type of education and training do END Technologists have?
American Intraoperative Monitoring Company prides itself in the level of expertise of our END Technologists. All END Technologists have significant experience in the healthcare industry - most of our staff are registered nurses. This level training improves our ability to communicate effectively with patients and surgeons. Additionally, all END Technologists at AIM are board eligible or board certified with a CNIM rating (Certified Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring), a highly specialized national credentialing standard for END Technologists. Additionally, all END Technologists are supervised by a physician who is board certified in Electrodiagnostic Medicine.
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Will I be billed for Intraoperative Monitoring?
There is a standard fee billed to your insurance company for both the END Technologist and supervising electrodiagnostic physician's services. These services are separate from your hospital and surgeon's fees. Should you have any questions or concerns about your bill for Intraoperative Monitoring, please feel free to contact AIM at any time.
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