RE: Electrode charge for e-stim

[Guest guest]

As an addendum to previous comments, attended e-stim might be appropriate for the patients first visit (CPT 97032 I think). Attended e-stim reimburses slightly better than unattended. For the initial visit, the therapist might be in the room explaining to the patient what the purpose of the e-stim is and how the patient can alter the current to better suit their treatment needs, etc. By billing the attended code as opposed to unattended (CPT 97014 I think), the therapist will pick up some of the cost of the electrodes. I am not a clinician, so talk with your peers and obviously, do not code for attended e-stim if it ain't so.

Commercial insurers usually pay a much higher differential than Medicare, so it might be worth discussing among your staff at the next staff meeting.

Most therapist's code unattended e-stim regardless of whether they were in attendence with the patient or not. One last comment...if you use attended e-stim on a regular basis, I have been told that it can be a trigger for medical review.

Just my 2c on reimbursement.

Jim Hall, CPA <///><

General Manager Rehab Management Services, LLC

Cedar Rapids, IA 319/447-5625

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