CPT Code 97610: Low frequency non-contact non-thermal ultrasound wound therapy

What is low-frequency non-contact ultrasound therapy?

Low-frequency non-contact ultrasound therapy is an advanced modality used in active wound care management, especially for chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure ulcers.

This technique, also referred to as non-thermal ultrasound therapy, promotes wound management by stimulating tissue repair, reducing bacterial load, and loosening devitalized tissue.

CPT code 97610 is used to report low-frequency, non-contact, non-thermal ultrasound treatment for wound management. The full description of the code is: “Low frequency, non-contact, non-thermal ultrasound, including topical application(s), when performed, wound assessment, and instruction(s) for ongoing care, per day.” This code is billed per day, regardless of how many wounds are treated in a session.

Documentation requirements

To report CPT code 97610, documentation must support the medical necessity and specifics of the wound care services provided. Include the following elements:

• Type and location of the wound (e.g., diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, surgical wounds)
• Clinical justification for low-frequency ultrasound therapy or noncontact ultrasound therapy (such as chronic wounds with delayed wound healing or heavy bacterial load)
• Date, duration, and frequency of the ultrasound therapy session, including any low-frequency noncontact or non-thermal ultrasound parameters
• Wound assessment outcomes, including response to treatment and patient tolerance
• Progress toward goals such as a reduction in wound size, decreased exudate, or improved wound bed appearance
• Ongoing treatment plan under an active wound care management protocol
• Photographic evidence, if available, supporting changes in the wound's condition over the treatment period

For accurate billing of the 97610 CPT code, ensure the documentation requirements align with the current procedural terminology (CPT) guidelines, and include an appropriate therapy modifier. This helps avoid claim denials and supports the use of this specific code in conjunction with other wound debridement CPT codes, especially if treating the same wound.

Billing guidelines

CPT code 97610 should be billed once per treatment date, regardless of the number of wounds or the duration of treatment. This low-frequency ultrasound debridement service is not time-based and is considered a single unit per session.

• You may report 97610 in conjunction with wound debridement CPT codes if the procedures are separately identifiable and performed on the same day.
• Ensure that documentation supports the distinction between standard wound care and ultrasonic energy application through mist therapy or topical application.
• Do not bill 97610 when only routine wound care or off-loading is provided, or when the non-therapist is administering treatment without proper supervision.
• Include appropriate ICD-10 codes that reflect chronic wounds, ulcers, or surgical removal needs.
• Payers, especially Medicaid services and Medicaid services CMS, may require authorization or restrict coverage, so always check local coverage determinations and commercial payer guidelines.
• Ensure the claim includes appropriate modifiers and references to supporting clinical evidence (e.g., statistically significant difference in wound healing) to demonstrate medical necessity and reduce adverse events or denials.

Other relevant CPT codes

• 97597–97598 – Debridement codes
• 11042–11047 – Surgical wound debridement
• G0456/G0457 – Previous HCPCS codes for LFNC-NTU (now replaced by 97610)