How To Use CPT Code 97032

CPT 97032 describes the application of electrical stimulation therapy to one or more areas for the treatment of pain and other muscle-related disorders. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 97032?

CPT 97032 can be used to describe the application of electrical stimulation therapy to one or more areas for the treatment of pain and muscle-related disorders. This code is used when a provider applies controlled amounts of electrical stimulation to the skin or muscle using electrodes. The electrical stimulation helps relieve pain, improve range of motion, muscle strength, reeducate muscles, stimulate wound healing, and reduce muscle spasm.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 97032 is: ‘Application of a modality to one or more areas; electrical stimulation (manual), each 15 minutes.’ This code is used for the application of electrical stimulation therapy using a controlled amount of electrical stimulation over the skin or muscle for 15 minutes.

3. Procedure

1. The provider assesses the patient’s condition and determines the need for electrical stimulation therapy.
2. The provider selects the appropriate modality (3L, 3M, or 3S) for the electrical stimulation therapy.
3. The provider applies the electrodes to the affected muscle areas.
4. The provider applies a controlled amount of electrical stimulation to the electrodes for 15 minutes.
5. The provider monitors the patient’s response and adjusts the intensity of the electrical stimulation if necessary.
6. Additional sessions may be scheduled as needed to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 97032 services are those with pain and muscle-related disorders that can benefit from electrical stimulation therapy. The provider must apply the electrical stimulation therapy manually using a controlled amount of electrical stimulation for 15 minutes. The therapy can be applied to one or more areas of the body.

5. When to use CPT code 97032

CPT code 97032 should be used when a provider applies electrical stimulation therapy manually to one or more areas for 15 minutes. It is appropriate for patients with pain and muscle-related disorders that can benefit from this therapy. However, it should not be used for transcutaneous electrical modulation pain reprocessing (TEMPR/scrambler therapy) or peripheral nerve transcutaneous magnetic stimulation.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 97032, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for electrical stimulation therapy
• Specific modality (3L, 3M, or 3S) used for the therapy
• Date and duration of each session (15 minutes)
• Areas of the body where the therapy was applied
• Response of the patient to the therapy and any adjustments made
• Signature of the provider performing the therapy

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 97032, ensure that the therapy is applied manually using a controlled amount of electrical stimulation for 15 minutes. It should not be reported with other codes such as transcutaneous electrical modulation pain reprocessing (TEMPR/scrambler therapy) or peripheral nerve transcutaneous magnetic stimulation. Consider the location of the therapy when coding, as there may be different codes for different areas of the body.

8. Historical information

CPT 97032 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1995. There have been historical changes to the code, with a code change on January 1, 2010, to specify the application of a modality to one or more areas using electrical stimulation for 15 minutes.

9. Examples

1. A physical therapist applying electrical stimulation therapy to a patient’s shoulder for 15 minutes to relieve pain and improve range of motion.
2. An occupational therapist using electrical stimulation therapy on a patient’s hand for 15 minutes to reeducate muscles and improve function.
3. A chiropractor applying electrical stimulation therapy to a patient’s lower back for 15 minutes to reduce muscle spasm and improve mobility.
4. A sports medicine physician using electrical stimulation therapy on an athlete’s knee for 15 minutes to promote wound healing and reduce pain.
5. A rehabilitation specialist applying electrical stimulation therapy to a patient’s neck and shoulder for 15 minutes to relieve muscle tension and improve posture.
6. A physical therapist using electrical stimulation therapy on a patient’s ankle for 15 minutes to improve muscle strength and stability.
7. An orthopedic surgeon applying electrical stimulation therapy to a patient’s hip for 15 minutes to accelerate healing after surgery.
8. A pain management specialist using electrical stimulation therapy on a patient’s neck for 15 minutes to alleviate chronic pain.
9. A neurologist applying electrical stimulation therapy to a patient’s arm for 15 minutes to improve muscle control and coordination.
10. A podiatrist using electrical stimulation therapy on a patient’s foot for 15 minutes to relieve pain and promote healing.