Be cautious of the coding advice equipment company representatives give, especially when insurance reimbursement likely influences your decision to buy this or that gadget. Case in point, this summer I visited an office that was using a low level laser light “pad” and billing 97026, infrared. Why? Because the gentleman who sold it said so.
The intent of infrared therapy is to create a therapeutic effect by increasing tissue temperature. The problem with billing 97026 for the light pad became evident when I found out zero heat is created when it is in use, therefore, infrared is definitely the wrong code.
I am going to assume (based solely on my past experience) that the sales rep who sold the low level laser – “cold Laser” – knew full well, or should have, the only possible code for this particular device is 97039, unlisted modality, and is rarely reimbursed by insurance. When it comes to coding, modalities in particular, a little common sense goes a long way.
