FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What is the EFA?

The Electrodiagnostic Functional Assessment (EFA) is the enhancement and combination of five accepted medical tests:  Electromyography, Range of Motion, Functional Capacity Evaluation, Pinch and Grip Strength.

2. Is the EFA loading and invasive?

The EFA is completely non-loading and non-invasive.

3. Does the technology have an FDA registration?

The EFA Unit is the proprietary technology utilized in conducting an EFA. This technology has a 510(k) registration with the Food and Drug Administration as a Class II Diagnostic device.

4. How does the EFA ensure reproducible results?

The EFA Unit includes lead-fail detection circuitry to ensure if an electrode is not properly placed or maintained, the test will not continue. This state-of -the-art lead-fail detection circuitry also ensures patient safety by monitoring the muscle groups. If excess activity is detected or if an electrode contact is not maintained, the evaluation stops so the patient will not harm him or herself.

5. What muscle groups can be evaluated?

Every muscle group in the body from cervical, mid-back, upper and lower extremities can be monitored with the EFA.

6. Is the EFA just a functional capacity evaluation?

The EFA is a medical diagnostic tool provided by certified medical professionals and has the capability to evaluate and change diagnosis and treatment outcomes.  Since the EFA monitors EMG activity with range of motion and FCE, it does not require “a co-efficient of variants”, i.e. you always get a valid result utilizing the EFA.

7. Are all EFA reports conducted by certified professionals?

Certified personnel conduct all EFA evaluations.  All EFA reports are by a Board Certified Physician.

8. Can the EFA be used to determine MMI?

Yes.  Since the EFA combines the five accepted medical tests and the EFA report is by a Board Certified Physician, it can be used to determine MMI.

9. Has the EFA been upheld in court?

The EFA has proven itself in court where the EFA was the major and sole piece of evidence from the Federal Court levels and down.

10. Do the components of the EFA comply with AMA Guidelines?

Yes. The components of the EFA do comply with the American Medical Association Guide for Permanent Impairment Ratings Third Edition Revised, Fourth Edition and Fifth Edition. 

11. Can the EFA be used to determine the clinical significance of disc pathology? 

Yes.  An MRI must confirm disc pathology.  However, the EFA enhances the static testing of an MRI with its dynamic evaluation.  This is accomplished because when there is a space-occupying lesion, there is a Beta-blocker released in the surrounding musculature.  This is picked up on the EFA evaluation as ECG artifact.  The amplitude of this ECG activity that overlaps the EMG correlates to disc pathology or other spinal changes. 

12. What can the EFA monitor?

The EFA can monitor EMG activity in combination with range of motion, functional capacity assessment, grip strength and pinch strength. The EMG can simultaneously monitor activity of muscle tone, muscle spasms, muscle activity, and muscle fatigue in at least eighteen muscle groups.

13. How does the EFA age an injury?

There are several factors used in determining the age of an injury. The most significant factors are the combination of the electromyography and range of motion. The more compensation, bilateral changes, absence of the flexion/relaxation response and bilateral vasoconstriction, the more long-standing the problem.  The more acute changes noted, such as increased frequency (muscle spasms), the more acute the pathology.  Hyperactivity is characteristic of an acute injury when the muscle continues to function appropriately and no compensation of surrounding muscles is evident.  As time passes, the acute hyperactivity phase resolves and the muscle returns to a normal low-level amplitude output.

14. How can the EFA affect a claim?

The EFA can affect the medical portion, TTD portion and PPD portion of a claim by rendering an objective diagnosis and possibly altering the treatment plan.

15. Can the EFA determine an objective basis from which to analyze return to work capability?  

Yes, the EFA has the unique ability to enhance a standard functional capacity evaluation by combining the EMG with the range of motion and FCE. This allows seeing specifically what the muscles are doing, compensation patterns and what objective work restrictions, if any, the person will need to return to work.

16. What makes the EFA EMG better?

Movement artifact is virtually eliminated through the use of cabling and the integrity of the electronics is preserved. No filtering of the EMG is necessary to eliminate the movement and noise artifact.

17. Can the EFA determine a true carpal tunnel syndrome?

The EFA is the only equipment that can monitor the muscles in the front of the neck, which can mimic upper extremity complaints such as carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar neuropathy.  This is different than a radicular component. The EFA can distinguish the radicular component in the back of the neck, the myofascial component or distal pathology.

18. Is the EFA available nationwide?

Yes. The EFA is available for nationwide service through our Partnership Alliance members.

19. Are the test results the same no matter where in the country the test is done?

Yes.  Insight Diagnostics is always the provider of service and you can be assured of the same test results no matter where the evaluation is performed.

20. How long does the EFA evaluation take?

A typical EFA takes approximately one hour.

21. Does an EFA hurt?

No. Since the EFA is non-loading and non-invasive, it does not hurt to take the evaluation.

22. Can the EFA assist with fibromyalgia?

Yes. The EFA is specifically designed to evaluate the primary, secondary and tertiary tender points and to recommend treatment options.