CPT® Code 97810

Acupuncture, 1 or more needles; without electrical stimulation, initial 15 minutes of personal one-on-one contact with the patient

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that primarily focuses on pain relief and the promotion of overall wellness. This practice involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points located throughout the body. The primary goal of acupuncture is to stimulate these points, which are believed to correspond to various bodily functions and health conditions. By inserting needles, practitioners aim to open the flow of chi, or vital energy, through the meridian pathways, thereby correcting any imbalances in energy flow that may contribute to pain or illness. Acupuncture can be performed with or without the use of electrical stimulation. In the case of non-electrical acupuncture, the procedure involves the initial 15 minutes of personal one-on-one contact between the practitioner and the patient, during which the needles are inserted without any electrical devices. This technique may also be complemented by other traditional practices such as moxibustion, which involves the burning of moxa (a dried herb) on or near the skin to enhance healing, and cupping therapy, which creates suction on the skin to improve blood flow and facilitate recovery. For billing purposes, the CPT® Code 97810 is used to report the first 15 minutes of acupuncture treatment without electrical stimulation.