AMA CPT® Assistant - 2000 Issue 1 (January)
Physician Medicine and Rehabilitaion Constant Attendance (January 2000)
January 2000 page 10c Coding Consultation Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Constant Attendance, 97039 (Q&A) Question We have recently begun using the AquaMed device, which is a water tank with pressurized water jets designed to move along a hydraulic track. A nylon net and heavy plastic barrier are fixed to the top surface of the tank. The patient is situated on top of this barrier, and the water jets are directed toward the body area to be treated. What CPT code should we use to report this service? AMA Comment CPT does not contain a code that accurately describes...
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Article Overview
This article presents an AMA/CPT Assistant coding question and response focused on a physical medicine and rehabilitation service involving a specific device and constant attendance. It explains the broad issue of how to handle a service when the CPT code set does not contain a directly matching option, and it notes the documentation expectations associated with reporting an unlisted service. It is relevant to coders, billers, and rehabilitation practices that work with modality-based treatments and unlisted CPT reporting.
Why This Topic Matters
Rehabilitation services often involve specialized devices and modalities that may not fit neatly into a standard CPT description. Understanding the article helps coders recognize when a service may require unlisted reporting and supporting documentation rather than a standard code.
Article Sections
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Coding Consultation
Introduces a coding Q&A format focused on physical medicine and rehabilitation. The section frames the device-based service and the question of how it should be reported.
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Question
Describes the therapy device and the general setup of the patient treatment scenario. It asks which CPT code applies to the service.
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AMA Comment
Provides the AMA response to the coding question and discusses unlisted CPT reporting in broad terms. It also mentions the need for supporting documentation when using an unlisted service code.
What You Will Learn
- How a CPT Assistant Q&A addresses a rehabilitation modality question
- When an unlisted CPT reporting approach may be discussed in the context of a device-based service
- Why supporting documentation may be associated with unlisted service reporting
- How the article frames constant-attendance physical medicine and rehabilitation coding issues
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Rehabilitation billing staff
- Practice managers
- Compliance staff
- Physicians and therapy providers
Codes Discussed
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