CPT 97024Physical Therapy

Diathermy eg microwave

CPT code 97024 covers diathermy treatment, a type of deep heat therapy that uses microwave or other electromagnetic energy to warm tissues beneath the skin. This modality is used to reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote healing in muscles and joints.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$7.12

This calculator gives a typical-case estimate using standard Medicare modifier rules. Actual payment depends on payer policies, documentation, code-specific CMS status indicators, and locality. Verify before billing.

RVU breakdown

Work RVU

0.06

PE RVU (NF)

0.15

MP RVU

0.01

Total RVU

0.22

Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Report 97024 only once per session regardless of treatment duration, as this is an untimed modality code
Impact: Prevents overbilling denials and audit flags; billing multiple units reduces reimbursement to zero for duplicate units
Always pair 97024 with time-based therapeutic procedure codes (97110, 97112, 97116) to demonstrate comprehensive treatment plan
Impact: Increases session reimbursement by $30-75 and demonstrates medical necessity for heat modality as preparatory intervention
Document specific treatment parameters including frequency, duration, intensity, and anatomical location to support medical necessity
Impact: Reduces denial rate by 40-60% and strengthens appeals when challenges arise
Verify LCD and article policies in your MAC jurisdiction, as some contractors require specific diagnoses or limit frequency
Impact: MAC-specific policies may limit reimbursement to 2-3 times per week or require specific ICD-10 codes
Never bill 97024 with hot/cold pack codes (97010) on the same day, as these are considered mutually exclusive
Impact: Prevents bundling denials and potential recoupment of $7.12 plus the paired service
Submit claims with appropriate GP/GO modifier based on the discipline providing treatment to ensure accurate therapy cap tracking
Impact: Ensures compliance with Medicare therapy threshold monitoring; missing modifiers result in 100% denial

Common denials

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 97024 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement rate for CPT 97024 is $7.12 for both facility and non-facility settings, based on 0.22 total RVUs and the 32.3465 conversion factor.

How many times can you bill CPT 97024 per session?

CPT 97024 is an untimed modality code and should only be billed once per treatment session, regardless of how long the diathermy is applied. Billing multiple units in one session is considered incorrect coding and will result in denial of duplicate units.

What modifier is required for CPT 97024 on Medicare claims?

Medicare requires either GP (physical therapy), GO (occupational therapy), or GN (speech-language pathology) modifiers on all 97024 claims to indicate which discipline is providing the service. Missing these modifiers will result in automatic claim denial.

Can you bill CPT 97024 and 97010 on the same day?

No, CPT 97024 (diathermy) and 97010 (hot/cold packs) are considered mutually exclusive and should not be billed together for the same treatment session. Payers view these as alternative heat modalities and will typically deny one as bundled or duplicate.

What documentation is required to bill CPT 97024?

Documentation must include the specific anatomical area treated, type and parameters of diathermy used, duration of application, clinical rationale linking the modality to functional goals, patient response, and the credentials of the treating provider. Medical necessity must connect diathermy to skilled therapeutic interventions.

Is CPT 97024 covered by Medicare and commercial insurance?

Medicare covers 97024 when medically necessary and provided as part of a comprehensive therapy plan, though some MACs impose frequency limitations. Commercial payers typically cover diathermy but may have varying policies on medical necessity, requiring it to be paired with active therapeutic procedures rather than as standalone treatment.

What is the difference between CPT 97024 and 97010?

CPT 97024 is for diathermy, which delivers deep heat through electromagnetic energy (microwave, shortwave), while 97010 covers superficial hot and cold pack application. Diathermy penetrates deeper into tissues and has different therapeutic effects, justifying separate coding, but they should not be billed together for the same session.