Re: CPT 64550 for TENS

[Guest guest]

Meryl,

We have used 64550 for TENS for over 10 years and we haven't experienced any

problems with it to my knowledge. We use it for the initial TENS visit. We

still do an evaluation of those patients, so we typically bill 97001 for that

time then 64550 for the time it takes to 1) decide how to apply the TENS unit

(waveform to use, where to apply the electrodes, etc.) and 2) educate the

patient.

I'm not sure what you mean below when you say " ...then apply the TENS

unsupervised. " In our case the therapist always does the initial application.

Mark Dwyer, PT, MHA

Director of Rehabilitation Services

Olathe Medical Center

Olathe, Kansas

markdwyer87@...

2CPT 64550 for TENS

Mon Jul 2, 2012 5:27 pm (PDT) . Posted by: " Freeman, Meryl " platysma1Hi all,

We just got our new LCD for Outpatient Physical Therapy and there is a section

about using CPT 64550 for applying TENS. The language is below. We do not have

that code in the chargemaster currently.

Is anyone using it? There has also been some discussion about billing for the

skilled time in educating about TENS. I am curious about the consensus for

billing- Let's say the patient is referred for a TENS eval. You do a general

eval, educate the patient on the usage/indications etc, then apply the TENS

unsupervised. What do you bill? Or let's say you are assessing the patient and

present during the time they are using the unit. Would you bill constant

attendance estim for that time? Thanks!

From the LCD:

" Electrical Stimulation Therapy (CPT codes 64550 and 97032, HCPCS codes G0281

and G0283) CPT code 97032 requires " visual, verbal and/or manual contact " (i.e.

constant attendance). A separate CPT code 64550 is available for " initial

application of a TENS unit in which electrodes are placed on the skin for

patients that will be operating the TENS unit at home. "

Meryl W. Freeman, MS PT

Manager, Rex Hospital Outpatient Rehab

(office)

(cell)