CPT® Code 97026 is used to report the application of infrared therapy to one or more areas of the body. This modality is typically delivered as part of a therapeutic treatment plan to promote circulation, reduce pain, and support soft tissue healing. Infrared therapy is most often used in physical therapy, chiropractic, integrative medicine, and sports rehab settings.
This code refers to the use of infrared light as a superficial heating modality. It involves the application of dry infrared heat to specific anatomical regions with therapeutic intent, and may be delivered using lamps, pads, or other infrared-emitting devices.
Key facts about CPT Code 97026
- Service type: Superficial modality
- Delivery method: Infrared light or heat over affected areas
- Purpose: Pain relief, increased blood flow, and improved soft tissue healing
- Treatment area: One or more body regions
- Time requirement: Usually 15 minutes per session, but time is not required for coding unless specified by payer
- Common uses:
- Muscle strain and spasm
- Joint stiffness or chronic pain
- Circulatory conditions or soft tissue injuries
- Myofascial conditions and fibromyalgia
When to use CPT Code 97026
CPT 97026 should be reported when infrared therapy is applied as part of a documented therapeutic intervention with specific goals—such as reducing inflammation, increasing range of motion, or supporting recovery post-injury.
It must be medically necessary, not purely for comfort or wellness. The provider must document the clinical rationale, treatment area, and duration. Infrared application as an adjunct to another service (e.g., massage or chiropractic adjustment) can be billed separately if documented appropriately.
Documentation requirements
To bill CPT 97026 compliantly, documentation must include:
- Medical necessity: Why infrared therapy is indicated for this patient (e.g., chronic shoulder pain unresponsive to stretching)
- Anatomical location(s) treated
- Duration of the modality (e.g., 15 minutes)
- Therapeutic goals (e.g., reduce muscle spasm, increase circulation)
- Response to treatment, especially for ongoing sessions
Providers should also document that infrared was not simply palliative or passive, but tied to functional improvement or symptom relief.
Reimbursement and coding considerations
CPT 97026 is considered a timed modality, although some payers may not require the exact number of minutes. However, it is important to align with payer-specific rules, as some insurers may:
- Require prior authorization
- Bundle it with other modalities unless clearly distinct
- Deny if not medically necessary or supported by diagnosis coding
Use appropriate ICD-10 codes that reflect the treated condition (e.g., M79.1 – myalgia, M25.50 – joint pain, unspecified joint).
Payers may also ask for functional outcome measures to justify continued use over multiple visits.
How OptiMantra supports compliant infrared therapy documentation
For practices that integrate physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, or holistic pain management, OptiMantra offers the tools you need to document and bill CPT 97026 with precision. With OptiMantra, providers can:
- Create customizable treatment templates for infrared and other modalities
- Automatically capture modality duration and treated area in chart notes
- Document clinical goals, rationale, and patient response with ease
- Bill 97026 alongside other services, with built-in checks for modifier and bundling rules
- Track treatment plans and session frequency to support medical necessity reviews
Whether you’re managing chronic pain, musculoskeletal rehab, or integrative therapy plans, OptiMantra ensures your documentation supports both clinical care and clean claims.
Try OptiMantra for free here!
