How To Use CPT Code 0102T

CPT 0102T describes a specific procedure performed by a physician that requires anesthesia other than local and involves the lateral humeral epicondyle. This article will cover the official description, procedure details, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of CPT code 0102T.

1. What is CPT Code 0102T?

CPT 0102T is a code used to describe a procedure performed by a physician that involves the lateral humeral epicondyle and requires anesthesia other than local anesthesia. This procedure is typically done to treat epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, which is a repetitive or overuse injury of the elbow.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0102T is: ‘Extracorporeal shock wave performed by a physician, requiring anesthesia other than local, and involving the lateral humeral epicondyle.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician identifies and marks the affected area of the elbow, specifically the lateral humeral epicondyle.
2. Anesthesia other than local anesthesia is administered to the patient.
3. The physician applies a water-based conductive coupling gel to the affected area.
4. The shock head of the therapy unit is placed over the area of tenderness on the elbow.
5. The physician verifies the positioning and contact of the shock head to ensure it remains in the treatment area throughout the procedure.
6. The power setting is adjusted, and power pulses are generated at the target, incrementally increasing the power level.
7. The entire area is treated, with the physician moving the patient’s arm as necessary.
8. The procedure continues until the maximum power level and number of shocks for the treatment protocol are reached.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 0102T is used for patients who require treatment for epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, and need anesthesia other than local anesthesia. The procedure must be performed by a physician and involve the lateral humeral epicondyle.

5. When to use CPT code 0102T

CPT code 0102T should be used when a physician performs a procedure involving the lateral humeral epicondyle and requires anesthesia other than local anesthesia. It is important to accurately document the specific details of the procedure to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0102T, the physician must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of epicondylitis
• Use of anesthesia other than local anesthesia
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Specific details of the procedure, including the use of shock waves and the treatment protocol
• Progress made by the patient and any additional treatments scheduled
• Physician’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0102T, ensure that the procedure is performed by a physician and requires anesthesia other than local anesthesia. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and any associated modifiers. Additionally, consider any restrictions or limitations set by payers regarding reimbursement for this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0102T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. As of January 1, 2022, there has been a change in the code description to specify that the shock wave used is high energy.

9. Examples

1. A physician performing extracorporeal shock wave treatment on a patient with tennis elbow, using anesthesia other than local anesthesia.
2. A patient undergoing a procedure involving the lateral humeral epicondyle for the treatment of epicondylitis, with the use of shock waves and anesthesia other than local anesthesia.
3. A physician administering high energy shock waves to the lateral humeral epicondyle of a patient with tennis elbow, using anesthesia other than local anesthesia.
4. A procedure performed by a physician involving the lateral humeral epicondyle and requiring anesthesia other than local anesthesia for the treatment of epicondylitis.
5. A patient receiving extracorporeal shock wave therapy on the lateral humeral epicondyle, with anesthesia other than local anesthesia, to treat tennis elbow.
6. A physician delivering shock waves to the affected area of the elbow, specifically the lateral humeral epicondyle, using anesthesia other than local anesthesia for the treatment of epicondylitis.
7. A procedure performed by a physician involving the lateral humeral epicondyle and requiring anesthesia other than local anesthesia, using shock waves to treat epicondylitis.
8. Anesthesia other than local anesthesia being administered to a patient undergoing a procedure on the lateral humeral epicondyle for the treatment of tennis elbow.
9. A physician applying shock waves to the lateral humeral epicondyle of a patient with epicondylitis, using anesthesia other than local anesthesia.
10. A patient undergoing a procedure involving the lateral humeral epicondyle and requiring anesthesia other than local anesthesia, with the use of shock waves to treat tennis elbow.