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.
The dedicated CPT code for low-level laser therapy is 0552T, effective July 1, 2019. Before this code existed, practitioners used alternative codes such as 97039, 97140, 97026, 97032, 97139, 97112, 97799, and 97810, many of which are still used depending on the treatment and insurance carrier. Codes ending in 9 require documentation, and diagnoses are assigned using ICD-10-CM categories. ColdLasers.org makes no guarantees regarding reimbursement or appropriate codes, so always verify current codes with your billing specialist and carriers.
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. Before it existed, practitioners billed under various general physical-medicine codes, which are listed below for reference only.
Important: 0552T is a Category III (emerging technology) CPT code. Category III codes are frequently non-covered, and many payers deny them by policy. Do not assume reimbursement — verify coverage with each payer before treating.
Codes Historically Used Before 0552T
Before 0552T existed, practitioners billed laser therapy under various general physical-medicine codes. Several are still encountered, and we list them here for reference only. We do not recommend any of them, and we do not advise on code selection. A CPT code must accurately describe the service actually performed. Selecting a code because it reimburses better, or modifying a code description to fit a service it was not written for, is improper coding and may constitute insurance fraud. Code selection is solely between you, your billing specialist, and your payers.
Description: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; constant attendance unlisted modality; 15 minutes
Note: As an unlisted modality, 97039 requires supporting documentation that accurately describes the service performed. Coverage is determined by your carrier.
Description: Manual Therapy Techniques (e.g., mobilization/manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, manual traction); one or more regions; each 15 minutes
Note: 97140 describes manual therapy techniques. It should only be billed when manual therapy is actually performed — not as a substitute code for laser therapy.
Description: Application of infrared modality
Note: This code refers to an infrared heating modality (heat lamp). Cold lasers are not heating devices, so 97026 does not accurately describe laser therapy and should not be used to bill it.
Description: Attended Electrical Stimulation; manual; one or more regions; each 15 minutes
Note: 97032 describes attended electrical stimulation. A therapy laser delivers no electrical stimulation, so this code does not describe laser therapy and should not be used to bill it.
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: 97810 describes acupuncture performed with needles. It does not describe needle-free laser stimulation and should not be used to bill it.
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.
Describe the Service Accurately
Documentation should accurately describe the service actually performed. Do not select or word a code to improve reimbursement — the code must match the service rendered. Coverage is determined by your carrier.
Maintain Consistency
Use consistent terminology and coding across similar treatments. Inconsistent billing patterns may trigger audits or denials.
Laser Therapy Billing FAQ
What is the CPT code for cold laser therapy?
The dedicated CPT code for low-level laser therapy is 0552T, which became effective on July 1, 2019. It describes low-level laser therapy provided by a physician or other qualified health care professional.
What CPT codes were used before 0552T?
Before 0552T, practitioners used alternative codes including 97039, 97140, 97026, 97032, 97139, 97112, 97799, and 97810. Many of these are still commonly used depending on the treatment and the insurance carrier.
Do laser therapy CPT codes require documentation?
CPT codes ending in 9 are unlisted codes and require supporting documentation that accurately describes the service actually performed. Coverage is determined by your carrier.
Does insurance reimburse cold laser therapy?
ColdLasers.org makes no guarantees regarding reimbursement from insurers or appropriate diagnosis and procedure codes. Always consult your billing specialist and verify current codes with your insurance carriers.
What ICD-10 diagnosis categories apply to laser therapy?
Common categories include inflammatory conditions, pain management, connective tissue injury, joint injury, muscle injury, neurological injury, and skin injuries and conditions. Consult the ICD-10-CM Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries at cdc.gov for specific codes.
What should laser therapy documentation include?
Document the area treated, wavelength, power settings, duration, and total energy in joules, and note measurable outcomes. Documentation should accurately describe the service performed; it is not a tool to improve reimbursement, and coverage is determined by your carrier.
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.