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Low intensity ultrasound stimulation is a therapeutic procedure designed to facilitate the healing of bone fractures through the application of non-invasive ultrasound technology. This method utilizes a specialized device that emits low intensity, pulsed ultrasound waves, which are transmitted through the skin directly over the fracture site. The ultrasound stimulator consists of a battery-operated system equipped with a transducer, which is the component responsible for delivering the ultrasound waves. The device is programmed to ensure that the treatment is administered correctly and effectively. Patients are provided with instructions for the at-home use of the device, allowing them to participate actively in their recovery process. To ensure optimal transmission of the ultrasound waves, a coupling gel is applied to the skin at the fracture site, enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment. In cases where the patient is wearing a cast, a small window is created in the cast to allow direct contact of the transducer with the skin. The transducer is typically positioned on the skin for approximately 20 minutes each day, and many modern devices are equipped with monitoring capabilities to track usage. This treatment is continued daily for the prescribed duration until the fracture has sufficiently healed, making it a valuable option in the management of bone healing.
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The low intensity ultrasound stimulation procedure is indicated for patients experiencing bone healing issues, particularly in the context of fractures. The following conditions may warrant the use of this non-invasive treatment:
The procedure for low intensity ultrasound stimulation involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment. First, the patient is provided with a battery-operated ultrasound stimulator that includes a transducer. The patient is instructed on how to use the device at home, emphasizing the importance of following the prescribed treatment regimen. Next, the patient applies a coupling gel to the skin over the fracture site. This gel is crucial as it enhances the transmission of ultrasound waves from the transducer to the underlying bone. If the patient is wearing a cast, a small window is created in the cast to allow the transducer to make direct contact with the skin. Once the transducer is positioned correctly, it is left in place for approximately 20 minutes each day. During this time, the device emits low intensity, pulsed ultrasound waves that penetrate the skin and stimulate the healing process. Many ultrasound devices are equipped with monitoring features that track the duration and frequency of use, ensuring that the patient adheres to the treatment plan until the fracture has healed adequately.
After the low intensity ultrasound stimulation procedure, patients are advised to continue monitoring their fracture site for any changes or signs of healing. It is essential for patients to adhere to the daily treatment schedule, using the device for the prescribed amount of time until the fracture is confirmed to be healed. Follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider may be necessary to assess the healing progress and determine if any adjustments to the treatment plan are required. Patients should also be aware of any specific instructions regarding the care of the fracture site, especially if a cast is involved, to ensure optimal healing outcomes.
| Short Descr | US BONE STIMULATION | Medium Descr | LOW INTENSITY US STIMJ BONE HEALING NONINVASIVE | Long Descr | Low intensity ultrasound stimulation to aid bone healing, noninvasive (nonoperative) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | STV-Packaged Codes | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Type of Service (TOS) | 6 - Therapeutic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 163 - Other non-OR therapeutic procedures on musculoskeletal system |
| 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | KX | Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2000-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2000. |
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