CPT code 97813 refers to using acupuncture needles combined with electrical stimulation to help treat various conditions. CPT 97813 represents “Acupuncture, 1 or more needles; with electrical stimulation, initial 15 minutes of personal one-on-one contact with the patient.”
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure involves a healthcare provider placing one or more fine needles at specific points on the body. In this case, these acupuncture points are also stimulated using electric currents. The treatment lasts for the first 15 minutes where the practitioner spends personal one-on-one time with the patient. This code only covers the first 15 minutes of treatment and does not include any further time or additional treatments that may occur afterward.
Common Names:
- Acupuncture with E-stim
- Electroacupuncture
- Acupuncture with electrical stimulation
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 0.74.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Acupuncture with electrical stimulation
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Needle insertion with electrical stimulation
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This procedure is commonly used for patients who experience chronic pain, such as back pain, neck pain, or knee pain. It can also be for people looking to relieve stress, anxiety, or headaches. For example, a person who often has migraines might try this treatment to see if it helps alleviate their symptoms.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- M54.5: Describes low back pain, often a reason people seek acupuncture treatments.
- R51: Refers to headache-related issues, another common reason for using acupuncture.
- G44.1: Relates to vascular headaches, including migraines, which may be treated with acupuncture to reduce frequency and intensity.
Summary
In summary, code 97813 describes using acupuncture needles with electrical stimulation to treat conditions like pain and headaches. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 97813 include M54.5 (low back pain) and R51 (headaches).
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.