CPT® Code 90870

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure that involves the application of electric currents to the brain to induce a controlled seizure. This therapeutic approach is primarily utilized to treat severe mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, mania, and catatonia. The underlying principle of ECT is to facilitate chemical changes in the brain that can alleviate the symptoms associated with these mental illnesses. During the procedure, the patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort and safety. Electrode pads are strategically positioned on the patient's head, either on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral), to deliver the electric currents effectively. To prevent muscle paralysis during the seizure, a muscle relaxant is administered intravenously, and a blood pressure cuff is applied to the ankle or forearm. This cuff serves to monitor muscle activity and ensure that the seizure is occurring as intended. The physician carefully controls the amount of current delivered through the electrodes, aiming to produce a seizure lasting between 30 to 60 seconds. Throughout the procedure, the physician monitors the patient's response by observing movements in the cuffed extremity and analyzing the increased brain activity displayed on an electroencephalogram (EEG). Many patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms after just two or three ECT sessions, and the efficacy of the treatment often increases with multiple sessions.