Todd best, M.D.
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
EMG
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
EMG
About ME
Dr. Best is a Board-Certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), a field that blends neurology and orthopedics. PM&R training encompasses a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. With this expertise, Dr. Best treats diverse conditions, from traumatic brain injuries to pinched nerves to sports injuries. Our specialty is dedicated to helping patients regain their quality of life at home and work by restoring their prior level of function.
Dr. Best is also Board-Certified in electromyography (EMG) testing, a specialized tool to assess nerve damage. EMG reports are generated immediately, provided to the patient, and sent to the referring physician for seamless care coordination.
Dr. Best takes a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to diagnosis and treatment. In addition to EMG testing, he may order X-rays, MRIs, or other diagnostic tools to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Treatment plans focus on the whole person, not just the affected condition, and are tailored to each patient’s needs. Dr. Best collaborates closely with primary care physicians and specialists such as neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and rheumatologists. His treatment teams often include physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals. From carefully selected medications to natural topical treatments to joint and trigger point injections, Dr. Best works with patients to create personalized plans for recovery.
Education
William Beaumont Hospital
Royal Oak
1987-1991
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Wayne State University School of Medicine
1983-1987
Medical Doctor
Kalamazoo College
1978-1982
Bachelor of Arts
Board Certifications
American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
https://www.abpmr.org/About
American Board of Electrodiagnositic Medicine
https://www.abemexam.org/About
HOSPITAL AfFiliATIONS
Trinity Health Oakland
https://www.trinityhealthmichigan.org/location/trinity-health-oakland-hospital
McLaren Oakland
https://www.mclaren.org/oakland/mclaren-oakland-home
WORRIED AN EMG MIGHT HURT?
You’re not alone—many people have heard EMGs can be uncomfortable. That’s why Dr. Best takes a gentle, patient-focused approach to every test. Most patients are surprised by how well they tolerate the test—and many say it wasn’t nearly as bad as they expected.
What is an EMG?
An EMG is a test used to study how well your nerves and muscles are working. It is performed by Dr. Best, who is board-certified by the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine.
Who is an EMG ordered for?
EMGs are often ordered for people who experience pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle spasms. The test helps diagnose conditions like pinched nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, herniated (“slipped”) discs, sciatica, neuropathy, and others.
How is it done?
The whole test is commonly called an "EMG" but there are actually two tests done. First the Nerve Conduction Study (NCV) and then the Electromyography (EMG).
NCV: Certain nerves are tested with a small electrical pulse. This may feel like a quick “spark” and might cause your hand or foot to twitch. It helps measure how fast your nerves send signals.
EMG: A very thin, sterile wire—similar in size to an acupuncture needle—is gently inserted through the skin. It is Teflon-coated to glide in smoothly. Dr. Best listens and watches for normal and abnormal patterns in your muscle activity.
But really, does it hurt?
Dr. Best’s approach prioritizes your comfort. He explains each step before it happens, uses the smallest and thinnest pins available, and applies the lightest electrical stimulation necessary. Most patients tolerate the test very well—and it can be stopped at any point if you feel uncomfortable.
Because the pin enters the skin, there may be a little tingling or mild soreness afterward. However, the EMG does not harm your nerves or muscles. You’ll be able to drive and return to work immediately after the test.
How do I get the results?
Test results
You’ll receive your results the same day. A copy is also faxed right away to your doctor, and we can send additional copies to any other physician upon request. Feel free to ask Dr. Best any questions before, during, or after your EMG.
Appointments are taken by physician referral only. We work primarily with Trinity and McLaren providers. Please call 248-683-5019.
4000 Highland, Suite 107
Waterford, MI 48328Mon, Wed, Friday 9-5
Tues, Thurs 1-5
Lunch noon-1248-683-5019Insurances Accepted
We are a proud member of OPNS (Oakland Physician Network Services) and contract with insurance companies through their network. Our list of accepted insurances is constantly growing—this list was last updated on July 19, 2025.Because insurance coverage can change frequently, we strongly recommend contacting our office manager, Marci, at 248-683-5019. She’ll be happy to confirm whether we currently accept your specific plan and answer any insurance-related questions you may have.
Aetna
Aetna Medicare
Aetna PPO
Aetna Premier Care
Aetna National Advantage Plan
Affordable Medical Networks (First Health)
Alliance EPA, EPO, PPO, POS
Alliance Indemnity
America's Health Plan
Anthem Health & Life (AH&L)
Automobile Insurance
Beech Street (PPO)
Blue Cross Complete
Blue Cross Traditional "Non Participating"
Blue Care Network Adantage - Medicare Program
Blue Cross Personal Choice (may need referral)
Blue Care Preferred, Preferred Plus (PPO)
Blue Cross Trust (PPO)
Blue Care Community Blue Mid-Michigan (PPO)
Medicare Plus Blue
Cape Health Plan
Capp Care (PPO)
CareSource
CareSounce Medicare Advantage
CCN (a.k.a. Medview)
Champus/ Tricare
Choice Care (EHI/Humana)
Choice EPO (UHC)
Choice Plus HMO/POS (UHC)
Cigna, PPO, EPO
CNA
Concentra
Consumers Mutual
DirectCare America
Employers Health Network PPO
ER Wrap (UHC)
Fidelis SecureCare
Fortis Health Care
Galaxy Health Network
HAP HealthChoice PPO
HAP HealthChoice EOP
HAP Medicare Advantage (PPO)
HAP Senior Plus PPO
Harbor Health Plan
Harbor Medicare
Harbor Medicaid
Health Care Compare (First Health)
Health Network
Health Payers
Health Plus PPO
Honest HMO
Humana Choice PPO
Humana Choice SNP HMO/PPO
Humana Gold Plus HMO/POS
Humana USAA Honor PPO
Humana Value Plus PPO
Humana Medicare PPO/PPO Plus
Humana Gold Choice
Humana Military Healthcare (HMHS)
Interplan Heath Group (IHG)
John Alden
McLaren POS, Medicaid, HealthAdvantage
Medicare
Medicare Plus Blue
Medicaid
Meridian Choice
Metraheath PPO
Michigan Complete Health
Molina Medicare Options
Molina Medicare Options Plus
Molina Health Link (MC + MA)
MultiPlan/MPMPPN ( a.k.a Choice One)
National FootCare Program
Navigate EPO, HMO, HMO Plus, POS (UHC)
NexusACO NR EPO/HMO/POS (UHC)
NexusACO OA EPO/HMO (UHC)
NexusACO OAA POS (UHC)
NexusACO R EPO/HMO/POS (UHC)
One Health Plan
Preferred Choices PPO
Preferred Health Network
Primary Health Services
Priority Health
Priority Health HMO
Private Health Care Systems
Starcare
Today’s Options (Medicare program)
Total Health Care Select
TruCare PPN
UHC PPO
UHC Select EPO
UHC Select Plus HMO/POS
UHC Doctors Plan EPO
UHC Doctors Plan Plus HMO/POS
UHD Dual
U.S. Health and Life Insurance
Veterans Affairs CCN (UHC)
Workman's Compensation
Zing
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