HCPCS Code G0283: Electrical Stimulation (Unattended), to One or More Areas for Indication(s) Other Than Wound Care, as Part of a Therapy Plan of Care

Use HCPCS code G0283 to bill for unattended electrical stimulation therapy as part of physical or occupational therapy for non-wound care indications.

Use Code

## **What is HCPCS code G0283 for?** The HCPCS code G0283 is meant to designate unattended electrical stimulation treatment. This could be transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS, for short), interferential current (IFC), or frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM), to mention a few. This electrical stimulation treatment is applied to one or more body areas for indications besides wound care as part of a patient's physical therapy or occupational therapy plan. Unattended electrical stimulation provided by physical therapists involves setting up the modality and leaving the patient unattended during the stimulation. In contrast, attended stimulation modalities entail physical therapists providing physical therapy services alongside the electrical stimulation, such as having the patient perform therapeutic exercises, muscle contractions, terminal knee extension exercises, gait training, and other activities. Healthcare providers who focus on physical therapy conduct electrical stimulation if the patient's condition includes the following problems: arthritis, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, poor blood circulation, etc. Electrical stimulation promotes healing and treats chronic pain. Known benefits of such stimulation include reduced pain, improved muscle function, improved nerve function, and improved blood flow/circulation.

## **Documentation requirements for G0283** As with any physical or occupational therapy service provided, the therapist needs to document everything related to the electrical stimulation service accordingly: - The physical or occupational therapist's full name and credentials - The patient's full name - The patient's medical history - The patient's current and prior functional status - The medical necessity of the electrical stimulation service - The date of the electrical stimulation service - The specific type of electrical stimulation service - Start and stop times of the electrical stimulation service - The total duration of the electrical stimulation service - Intensity of the stimulation - Specific sites of the electrical stimulation - Patient's response to the electrical stimulation - Goals (e.g., reduced pain, improved muscle function, improved nerve function, and improved blood flow/circulation, etc.) - Patient's response towards established goals - Any updates to treatment plans - PT or OT notes on the session

## **Billing requirements for G0283** Make sure to follow the mandates of the National Correct Coding Initiative to avoid rejected claims. Besides the documentation requirements, please ensure to use the modifier that matches your discipline: GP if you're a physical therapist, or GO if you're an occupational therapist. Remember that this code is for unattended electrical stimulation. You can't use this code if you attended to the patient the whole time after setting up and activating the modalities. You can't bill this code alongside outpatient modality CPT codes like 97014 and 97032.

## **Other similar codes** - G0281 – Unattended electrical stimulation for wound care - G0282 – Unattended electrical stimulation for wound care, additional units - CPT 97032 – Attended electrical stimulation

Frequently asked questions

This must be conducted in an outpatient clinic or physical/occupational therapy center.

Patients will likely experience minor discomfort during the stimulation. It's also possible for their skin to become irritated. Rare risks include worsening symptoms due to improper use or setup of the modalities, and allergic reactions to electrode adhesives used to attach the modalities.

They just need to ensure hydration and monitor the spots where the modalities were attached to check for any unwanted reactions.