What is a vasopneumatic device and how does it work?
Vasopneumatic devices are a type of specialized equipment, such as compression therapy systems, that provide pressure to an area of the body to help reduce swelling and improve recovery. Often used alongside rest and elevation, vasopneumatic devices can help reduce discomfort while aiding in swelling reduction like in the treatment of lymphedema.
What are the main components of a vasopneumatic?
Vasopneumatic devices are usually built with two main components. First, an inflatable garment is wrapped around a section of the body and consists of multiple pressure compartments. The second part is an electrical pneumatic pump, which provides air or cold water.
What is the CPT code for vasopneumatic devices?
What Is CPT Code 97016? According to the American Medical Association (AMA), CPT code 97016 is a procedural code that falls under the range of Supervised Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Modalities. It is used when a vasopneumatic device is applied during treatment to one or more areas. What Are Vasopneumatic Devices?
What is a vasopneumatic compression boot?
Vasopneumatic compression is used to reduce swelling and inflammation in the upper or lower extremities following surgery or other injury. Typically, a boot or sleeve is used to cover the injured limb. The boot or sleeve is then filled with air by a small compressor thus causing compression of the limb.
What is a Vasopneumatic pump?
(Intermittent Compression Pumps) Vasopneumatic compression devices (VCD) are a form of compression therapy that uses mechanical force from a pump to intermittently exerts external pressure on a body part (i.e., increasing hydrostatic pressure, milking effects on fluid).
Does medicare cover 97016?
Medicare and many other payers do pay for vasopneumatic compression (97016), but generally only for managing swelling or lymphedema.
Is CPT 97016 a timed code?
Code 97016 is a service-based code, meaning it can only be billed as 1 unit regardless of treatment time length. If more than one 97016 treatment is performed within a short period of time, the modifier “-59” may be applied.
Is cupping a Vasopneumatic device?
Think of a large blood pressure cuff style device placed over an extremity and that is essentially what a vasopneumatic device is. While cupping does create suction and pressure to tissue, it would not fit the definition for use of CPT code 97016.
Does Medicare pay for hot and cold packs?
Medicare considers CPT Code 97010 (hot/cold packs) a 'bundled' service. When a service is bundled, it means that the reimbursement for the code is built into or grouped with the reimbursement for another code. In this instance, it means 97010 is not a separately payable Medicare billing code.
What is the difference between 97140 and 97124?
97124: Therapeutic procedure, one or more areas, each 15 minutes; massage, including effleurage, petrissage and/or tapotement (stroking, compression, percussion). 97140: Manual therapy techniques (e.g., mobilization/manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, manual traction), one or more regions, each 15 minutes.
Does 97012 need a modifier?
Whether it's 97012 or 97140, by appending the 59 modifier, you will ensure that you receive reimbursement for both services.
Is 97012 covered by Medicare?
Services that do not meet the requirements for covered therapy services in Medicare manuals are not payable using codes and descriptions as therapy services.
Do insurance companies pay for vasopneumatic devices?
In addition, some insurers are simply not paying for vasopneumatic devices.
Does Medicare cover vasopneumatic compression?
Medicare and many other payers do pay for vasopneumatic compression (97016), but generally only for managing swelling or lymphedema. When coverage for vasopneumatic compression exists, insurance carriers typically expect documentation of medical necessity for the modality to include pre- and post-treatment girth measurements, ...
Is a vasopneumatic device medically necessary?
While the use of these types of vasopneumatic devices is helpful for many, their application is not always medically necessary. According to Noridian’s 2018 update, “multiple outpatient therapy reviews have had insufficient documentation to support appropriate use and billing for the use of a vasopneumatic device.1 With an increase in popularity ...
Can vasopneumatic devices be used on the arm?
While vasopneumatic devices can provide relief and aid in a patient’s healing, the matter of correct billing and substantiation of medical need becomes an issue.
Do insurers pay for vasopneumatic devices?
As with all treatments, check with insurers to make sure the services are covered. Plus, not all insurers will pay for vasopneumatic devices, so it’s important that the device you use is a device they will pay for when used during treatment.4
