Diathermy eg microwave
CPT code 97024 covers diathermy treatment, a therapeutic heating technique using electromagnetic energy (like microwave) to deliver deep heat to tissues for pain relief and healing. This is a supervised physical therapy modality often used for muscle pain, joint stiffness, and inflammation.
RVU breakdown
Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High
Billing tips
Always bill 97024 as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, not as a standalone service
Impact: Increases medical necessity justification and reduces audit risk by 60-70% when combined with therapeutic procedures (97110, 97112, 97140)
Document the specific type of diathermy used (microwave, shortwave) and anatomical location in the daily treatment note
Impact: Reduces claim denials by 40%; many payers require specific modality documentation before payment
Verify that diathermy is not being billed on the same day as hot/cold packs (97010) or other superficial heat modalities
Impact: Prevents bundling denials; payers typically allow only one heat modality per session, saving approximately $7-14 in recoupment per claim
Do not bill 97024 with timed codes using the 8-minute rule; it is an untimed constant attendance service
Impact: Prevents upcoding allegations and potential False Claims Act exposure; maintains compliance with CMS guidelines
Ensure the treating therapist or physician documents contraindication screening (no pacemakers, metal implants in treatment area, pregnancy)
Impact: Critical for liability protection and audit defense; missing contraindication documentation is a top-3 audit finding
Track frequency and duration of diathermy use across the episode of care to justify ongoing medical necessity
Impact: Prevents denials for 'maintenance therapy'; most payers limit diathermy to acute/subacute phases (first 4-6 weeks of treatment)
Common denials
Medical necessity not established - diathermy considered 'comfort care' or maintenance therapy
How to appeal: Submit documentation showing functional improvement goals, objective measurements (ROM, strength, pain scales), and how diathermy specifically prepares tissues for therapeutic exercise. Include research supporting deep heat for the specific diagnosis. Request peer-to-peer review if initial appeal denied.
Bundled with other physical medicine modalities billed on same date of service
How to appeal: Provide documentation showing distinct treatment areas or separate sessions. Submit anatomical diagrams and time-stamped treatment logs. Add modifier 59 if appropriate for different anatomical sites. Cite payer-specific policies allowing multiple modalities when medically necessary.
Lack of adequate documentation of constant attendance supervision
How to appeal: Submit signed daily treatment notes showing licensed provider was present and monitoring throughout application. Provide facility policies on supervision requirements. Include credentials of treating personnel and state practice act citations supporting personnel qualifications.
Denied as experimental or investigational for specific diagnoses
How to appeal: Submit LCD/NCD documentation showing diathermy is covered for the diagnosis. Provide peer-reviewed literature supporting efficacy. Include treatment guidelines from professional associations (APTA, ACRM). Request reconsideration based on established standard of care in physical medicine.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 97024 in 2025?
The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 97024 is $7.12 for both facility and non-facility settings. This rate is based on 0.22 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465. Actual payment may vary by geographic locality based on the GPCI adjustments in your area.
How many times can you bill CPT 97024 in one day?
Typically, CPT 97024 should only be billed once per treatment session. It is not a time-based code, so multiple units are generally not appropriate even if treatment exceeds 15 minutes. Billing multiple units in one day requires exceptional documentation justifying separate treatment sessions with distinct medical necessity, which is rarely supported by payer policies.
Can you bill CPT 97024 with hot or cold packs (97010)?
Most payers will not reimburse both 97024 (diathermy) and 97010 (hot/cold packs) on the same date of service as they are considered duplicate heat/cold modalities. If both are medically necessary for different anatomical regions, document separately and consider modifier 59, but expect increased denial risk. Best practice is to choose the most clinically appropriate modality.
What diagnosis codes are medically necessary for CPT 97024?
Common supported diagnoses include M54.5 (low back pain), M75.1 (rotator cuff syndrome), M25.56 (knee pain), M79.1 (myalgia), M25.5x (joint pain), and arthritis codes (M15-M19 series). Medical necessity depends on documentation showing how deep heat improves function, not just symptom relief. Review your MAC's Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for specific diagnosis requirements in your jurisdiction.
Does CPT 97024 require direct one-on-one contact?
Yes, CPT 97024 requires constant attendance, meaning the provider or qualified support personnel must be continuously present during the entire application to monitor patient response and safety. However, this does not require exclusive one-on-one contact; the provider may attend to other patients in the same room as long as they maintain direct visual supervision and can intervene immediately if needed.
What is the difference between CPT 97024 and 97010?
CPT 97024 covers diathermy (deep heat using electromagnetic energy like microwave or shortwave), which penetrates several centimeters into tissue. CPT 97010 covers superficial heat or cold (hot packs, ice packs, paraffin), which only affects skin and superficial tissues. Diathermy ($7.12) is typically reimbursed higher than hot/cold packs and requires more sophisticated equipment and training.
Can physical therapy assistants perform CPT 97024?
Yes, licensed physical therapy assistants (PTAs) can perform CPT 97024 under appropriate supervision as defined by state practice acts and facility policies. Documentation must show the supervising PT established the plan of care and maintains required supervision levels. Some states and payers have specific supervision ratio requirements (e.g., 1 PT supervising no more than 2-3 PTAs simultaneously).