97035 CPT Code (2023) | Description And Billing Guidelines

CPT Code 97035 is Therapeutic Ultrasound. This deep heating modality produces a sound wave of 0.8 to 3.0 Mhz.

In the human body, ultrasound therapy has several pronounced effects on biological tissues. It is attenuated by specific tissues and reflected by bone.

Thus, tissues lying immediately next to bone can receive an even greater dosage of ultrasound therapy, as much as 30% more.

Because of the increased extensibility ultrasound therapy produces in tissues of high collagen content, combined with the proximity of joint capsules, tendons, and ligaments to the cortical bone where they receive more intense irradiation, it is an ideal modality for increasing mobility in those tissues with restricted range of motion.

Application of CPT Code 97035 (Therapeutic Ultrasound)

The application of CPT code 97035 (ultrasound therapy) is considered medically necessary for patients requiring deep heat to a specific area to reduce pain, spasm, and joint stiffness and increase muscle, tendon, and ligament flexibility.

Specific indications for the use of CPT Code 97035 (Therapeutic Ultrasound) application include:

• The patient has tightened structures limiting joint motion that require an increase in extensibility; or
• the patient has symptomatic soft tissue calcification

Therapeutic Ultrasound (CPT Code 97035) application is not considered medically necessary for treating asthma, bronchitis, or any other pulmonary condition. Please see the policy’s ICD Codes That Do Not Support Medical Necessity section.

Standard treatment is 3-4 treatments per week for one month. Additional treatments must meet medical necessity requirements.