2025 CPT code 97032
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - Constant Attendance Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Modalities Feed
Application of a modality to 1 or more areas; electrical stimulation (manual), each 15 minutes.
This code does not typically require modifiers.
Medical necessity must be established for each patient. This generally involves documentation of the patient's condition, the expected benefits of the treatment, and why less intensive treatments are not appropriate.Specific guidelines for medical necessity may vary depending on the payer.
The physician or other qualified healthcare professional provides direct one-on-one patient contact to deliver the electrical stimulation therapy.They are responsible for determining the appropriate intensity and duration of the treatment based on the patient's condition.
In simple words: Electrical stimulation therapy uses a mild electric current to treat pain and muscle problems. Pads are placed on the skin near the affected muscles, and the device delivers controlled pulses of electricity. This helps to relieve pain, strengthen muscles, and improve movement.
This code represents the application of manual electrical stimulation to one or more areas for a duration of 15 minutes.The procedure involves the use of electrical stimulation to treat pain and other disorders associated with muscles. Electrodes are placed on the affected muscle areas, and an electric current of varying intensity is passed through the electrode pads to cause muscle contraction and expansion. This aids in restoring normal muscle strength, improving the ability to perform activities, relieving pain, and improving blood circulation.The provider applies a controlled amount of electrical stimulation (miniature pulse charges) over the skin or muscle. This can be one of three modalities: low, medium, or strong. The aim is to relieve pain, improve range of motion and muscle strength, re-educate muscles, stimulate wound healing, and reduce muscle spasm by activating or suppressing functions within nerves, muscles, soft tissue, and bone cells.
Example 1: A patient with chronic low back pain receives manual electrical stimulation to the lumbar region for 15 minutes to reduce pain and muscle spasms., A patient recovering from a knee injury receives electrical stimulation to the quadriceps muscle group for 15 minutes to improve muscle strength and range of motion., A patient with neck pain and headaches receives manual electrical stimulation to the cervical paraspinal muscles for pain relief.
Documentation should include the area(s) treated, the duration of treatment, the type of electrical stimulation used (manual), the patient's response to treatment, and any relevant medical history or diagnoses.For Medicare, documentation should also demonstrate the medical necessity of the treatment.
** This information is current as of December 1, 2024.Coding and reimbursement guidelines are subject to change, so it is important to verify the latest information with the appropriate payer. While the code describes manual electrical stimulation, the application itself might utilize electronic devices to generate and control the electrical current delivered to the patient. This code is specifically for the provider's direct, hands-on application and adjustment of the electrical stimulation parameters during the treatment session, hence the description of "manual."
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Management, Sports Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, Skilled Nursing Facility, and other places where physical medicine and rehabilitation services are provided.