CPT® code 97010 is used to report the application of a hot or cold pack to one or more areas of the body. This therapeutic modality is commonly applied to manage pain, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, or relax muscle tension. While frequently used in physical therapy, chiropractic, and rehabilitation settings, payers often consider this service bundled with other treatments rather than separately reimbursable.
When to Use CPT® Code 97010
- When applying hot packs (e.g., moist heat) for muscle relaxation, stiffness reduction, or pain management.
- When applying cold packs (e.g., ice therapy) to reduce swelling, inflammation, or acute pain.
- When the treatment is medically necessary and performed as part of a therapeutic plan.
Billing Requirements
- Report per session, not per body area treated.
- Many insurers consider hot/cold pack application non-reimbursable or bundled with other therapy services.
- Documentation should note the modality used, treatment area, duration, and patient response.
- Providers should verify payer policies before billing.
Common Clinical Scenarios
- A physical therapist applies a moist heat pack to a patient’s lower back before manual therapy.
- A chiropractor uses cold packs following an adjustment to reduce soreness and inflammation.
- A rehabilitation clinic applies an ice pack to a post-surgical knee to manage swelling and discomfort.
Streamline Therapy Documentation with OptiMantra
Even for simple modalities like CPT® 97010, accurate documentation supports compliance and helps prevent denials when combined with reimbursable services. OptiMantra’s EMR and practice management platform allows providers to easily log therapeutic modalities, track patient responses, and integrate treatment notes with billing. By simplifying these workflows, OptiMantra helps physical therapy, chiropractic, and integrative clinics stay efficient while keeping the focus on patient recovery.
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