CPT code 97810 refers to a simple acupuncture treatment where one or more needles are used to help manage conditions like pain or stress, without any electrical stimulation. CPT 97810 represents “Acupuncture, 1 or more needles; without electrical stimulation, initial 15 minutes of personal one-on-one contact with the patient.”
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure involves the careful insertion of fine needles into the skin at specific points to promote healing or pain relief. It lasts for an initial 15 minutes of direct interaction between the practitioner and the patient. This version of acupuncture does not include any type of electric current sent through the needles.
Common Names:
- Initial Acupuncture Session
- Acupuncture without Stimulation
- Needle Acupuncture
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 0.61.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Basic Acupuncture Treatment
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Non-Electrical Acupuncture Session
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This type of acupuncture is often used for people who are experiencing conditions like chronic back pain, headaches, or stress-related problems. For example, someone dealing with tension headaches might opt for this treatment to find relief without using medications.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- M54.5: This code is used for diagnosing low back pain that could be alleviated by acupuncture.
- G44.1: This code is related to tension-type headaches that acupuncture might help treat.
- F43.9: This code represents unspecified stress reactions, which acupuncture could help manage.
Summary
In summary, code 97810 describes a session of acupuncture without using electrical stimulation. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 97810 include M54.5 (low back pain) and G44.1 (tension-type headache).
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. “CPT” and CPT Codes are registered trademarks of the American Medical Association. HCPCS codes are managed by Medicare and are not subject to copyright.