CPT Codes for Laser Therapy
A reference guide to billing codes, diagnosis categories, and documentation requirements for cold laser and low-level laser therapy reimbursement.
Important: ColdLasers.org makes no guarantees regarding reimbursement from insurers, and no guarantees with respect to appropriate diagnosis and/or procedure codes for insurance billing. Always consult with your billing specialist and verify current codes with your insurance carriers.
Primary CPT Code for Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy, dynamic photonic and dynamic thermokinetic energies, provided by a physician or other qualified health care professional
This is the dedicated CPT code for low-level laser therapy. Prior to this code's introduction, practitioners had to use alternative codes (listed below) which are still commonly used depending on the specific treatment and insurance carrier requirements.
Alternative CPT Codes
Because insurance carrier acceptance varies, these alternative codes are still commonly used for laser therapy reimbursement. Choose based on your specific situation and carrier requirements.
Description: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; constant attendance unlisted modality; 15 minutes
Usage tip: Should be accompanied by a one-page description of the treatment and therapy, otherwise it may be denied.
Billing example: "97039 Attended FDA cleared infrared laser therapy"
Description: Manual Therapy Techniques (e.g., mobilization/manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, manual traction); one or more regions; each 15 minutes
Usage tip: This code is used for what you are accomplishing, not the technique used. If documentation is required, state what area was treated and what was accomplished (drainage, mobilization, etc.).
Description: Application of infrared modality
Note: This code technically refers to an infrared heat lamp—cold lasers are not heating devices. Reimbursement can be low.
To improve reimbursement, list as attended modality or add -22 modifier:
- 97026: Attended photonic stimulation
- 97026: Attended infrared light therapy
- 97026-22: Attended infrared therapy
Description: Attended Electrical Stimulation; manual; one or more regions; each 15 minutes
Usage tip: The code stays the same but the description changes to reflect service performed:
- 97032: Attended Electrical-Photonic Stimulation
- 97032: Attended Electrotherapy/IR
- 97032: FDA Cleared Laser Photonic Stimulation
Description: Unlisted therapeutic procedure
Strength: Indicates doctor is spending direct one-on-one treatment time with patient
Weakness: Unlisted procedures are more likely to be closely inspected by insurance carriers
Description: Neuromuscular Re-Education and Gait Training (movement, balance, coordination, kinesthetic sense, posture, and proprioception for sitting or standing activities); constant attended; each 15 minutes
Description: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation - Unlisted Service or Procedure
Note: Requires documentation; fees negotiated with carrier
Description: Acupuncture, 1 or more needles; without electrical stimulation, initial 15 minutes
Note: May be applicable when using laser for acupuncture point stimulation
ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Categories
According to the CDC, ICD-10-CM is "the official system of assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures associated with hospital utilization in the United States." The following diagnosis categories are commonly appropriate for cold laser therapy. Consult the ICD-10-CM Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries at cdc.gov for specific codes.
Inflammatory Conditions
Conditions:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Epicondylitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Bursitis
- Plantar Fasciitis
Primary Diagnoses:
- Pain
- Restricted range of motion/stiffness
- Edema
- Effusion
- Paresthesia
- Inflammation
- Radicular pain
- Muscle spasms
- Myofasciitis
Pain Management
Conditions:
- Fibromyalgia
- Bursitis
- Lower back pain
- Myofascial pain
- Fasciitis
- Neck/Cervical pain
Primary Diagnoses:
- Pain
- Restricted range of motion/stiffness
- Inflammation
- Effusion
- Edema
- Muscle spasms
- Myofasciitis
Connective Tissue Injury
Conditions:
- Tendonitis
- Tendon ruptures
- Sprains
- Strains
Primary Diagnoses:
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Restricted range of motion/stiffness
- Effusion
- Edema
- Muscle spasms
- Radicular pain
Joint Injury
Conditions:
- Temporomandibular (TM) disorders
- Ligament injury
- Dislocations
- Osteoarthritis
Primary Diagnoses:
- Joint pain
- Inflammation
- Restricted range of motion/stiffness
- Joint effusion
- Edema
Muscle Injury
Conditions:
- Muscle bruises/contusions
- Muscle contractures
- Muscle ruptures
- Myositis
Primary Diagnoses:
- Muscle pain
- Inflammation
- Restricted range of motion/stiffness
- Muscle spasms
- Edema
- Myofasciitis
Neurological Injury
Conditions:
- Ruptured disc
- Prolapsed disc
- Crush injuries
- Neuritis
Primary Diagnoses:
- Radicular pain
- Myofasciitis
- Decreased range of motion/stiffness
- Inflammation
- Muscle spasms
- Paresthesia
- Edema/Effusion
Skin Injuries & Conditions
Conditions:
- Burns
- Skin ulcers
- Skin grafts
- Surgical incisions
Primary Diagnoses:
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Restricted range of motion/stiffness
- Edema
Documentation Best Practices
Include Treatment Details
Document the specific area treated, wavelength used, power settings, duration of treatment, and total energy delivered (joules). This supports medical necessity.
Document Outcomes
Note what was accomplished—pain reduction, increased range of motion, decreased inflammation, improved function. Focus on measurable improvements.
Reference FDA Clearance
When using unlisted codes, include "FDA cleared" in your description. This establishes legitimacy of the therapy and may improve reimbursement rates.
Maintain Consistency
Use consistent terminology and coding across similar treatments. Inconsistent billing patterns may trigger audits or denials.
Questions about laser therapy billing?
We can connect you with practitioners who have experience with insurance reimbursement for laser therapy and share what's worked for them.