What is Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)?
IONM, a subspecialty of neurology and neurodiagnostics, is a technique for monitoring and mapping the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) during surgery to reduce the risk of neurological damage. It involves real-time data collection by trained neurophysiologists to guide surgeons and improve patient outcomes.
What types of surgeries use IONM?
IONM is commonly used in head & neck surgeries (e.g., thyroidectomy, parotidectomy), spine surgeries (e.g., scoliosis correction), brain surgeries (e.g., tumor resection), vascular procedures (e.g., carotid endarterectomy), and orthopedic surgeries where nerves are at risk.
How does IONM benefit patients?
It helps detect and prevent nerve damage during surgery, potentially reducing postoperative complications like paralysis, hearing loss, or motor deficits, leading to safer procedures and better recovery.
Is IONM covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) varies depending on the insurance provider, the specific plan, and the medical necessity of the procedure as determined by the insurer. Because of its role in improving surgical outcomes and reducing postoperative complications, many insurance carriers cover it.
Patients may still be responsible for portions of the cost, such as deductibles and/or coinsurance determined by your insurance coverage.
Signal Neuro is in network with most major health insurance providers.
Do you see patients in an office or clinic setting?
Signal Neuro does not see patients in an office or clinic setting. We only offer services in the hospital/operating room setting.
What is an IONM technologist?
Also known as a surgical neurophysiologist, an IONM technologist is an allied health professional who performs intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) during surgeries to assess and protect the nervous system. They work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other operating room staff to monitor the functional integrity of neural structures. They are typically supervised remotely through telemedicine by a neurologist or physician with additional training in neurophysiology. Their primary role is to use electrophysiological techniques (e.g., EEG, EMG, evoked potentials) to detect potential neurological damage in real-time, providing immediate feedback to the surgical team. IONM technologists typically possess a bachelor's or graduate degree in a health, medical, or science field, undergo specialized hands-on training, and hold the Certification in Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring (CNIM) from the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET).