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Anesthesia Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Laser-Induced Thermotherapy

Published on Fri Mar 01, 2002

Question: Which CPT code is for laser-induced thermotherapy? Does Medicare or private insurers cover this procedure?

Texas Subscriber  
Answer: Laser-induced thermotherapy is used to treat cancer pain. Recent studies have also found that it is useful in the ablation of some tumors and slowing the spread of certain malignancies.
 
There is no specific CPT code for this procedure. Code 97024 (Application of a modality to one or more areas; diathermy) may be appropriate if laser-induced thermo-therapy is employed primarily for pain treatment. If the procedure is for the ablation of tumors, it would be better to use the destruction codes (17000*-17286). The site, diameter and number of lesions determine the correct code.
 
Remember that laser-induced thermotherapy may be considered experimental by Medicare and many private carriers; if so, it is not a covered benefit. Before treatment, the physicians office should obtain prior authorization from the carrier.
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