What is CPT® 97810?
CPT® 97810 is used to report the initial 15 minutes of personal one-on-one acupuncture treatment provided by a qualified healthcare professional. This code includes the insertion of needles without electrical stimulation and covers time spent with the patient actively receiving acupuncture therapy.
When to Use CPT® 97810
This code should be reported when:
- The provider administers acupuncture treatment involving needle insertion and manipulation for the first 15 minutes.
- Treatment is personalized and delivered one-on-one with the patient.
- The session does not include electrical stimulation; if electrical stimulation is used, CPT® 97813 should be reported instead.
- The service is provided for pain management, musculoskeletal disorders, or other therapeutic indications supported by clinical guidelines.
Typical clinical scenarios include:
- Treatment of chronic pain conditions like lower back pain, neck pain, or osteoarthritis
- Adjunct therapy in rehabilitation for improved circulation or muscle relaxation
- Management of symptoms such as headaches or nausea
Key Billing Information
- CPT® 97810 covers the initial 15 minutes of acupuncture treatment; additional time is reported with CPT® 97811.
- It involves direct personal contact between the provider and the patient.
- Must be documented in 15-minute increments to ensure proper billing.
- CPT® 97810 includes needle insertion, stimulation, and monitoring, but excludes electrical stimulation codes.
Documentation Requirements
To support billing for CPT® 97810, documentation should include:
- Description of the acupuncture points treated and needle insertion sites
- Duration of treatment in 15-minute increments
- Patient’s clinical condition and response to treatment
- Provider’s credentials and date of service
Why Accurate Coding Matters
Proper use of CPT® 97810 ensures accurate reimbursement for acupuncture services and supports compliance with payer requirements. Detailed documentation helps avoid claim denials and demonstrates medical necessity for therapeutic acupuncture.
How OptiMantra Enhances Acupuncture Documentation and Billing
OptiMantra simplifies acupuncture practice workflows by offering:
- Customizable templates specifically designed for CPT® 97810 and related acupuncture codes
- Manual coding selection supported by integrated billing tools
- Integrated superbill generation and claims management for efficient reimbursement
- Patient scheduling and follow-up reminders to optimize care continuity
With OptiMantra, acupuncture providers can focus on delivering personalized treatment while the platform handles documentation accuracy and billing compliance, improving operational efficiency and revenue.
Try OptiMantra for free here!
.png)
