CPT® Code 97813

Acupuncture, 1 or more needles; with electrical stimulation, initial 15 minutes of personal one-on-one contact with the patient

Acupuncture is a therapeutic practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, primarily utilized for pain management and various health conditions. This technique involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on the body, which are believed to correspond to different organs and systems. The primary goal of acupuncture is to stimulate these points to promote the flow of chi, or vital energy, through the body's meridian pathways. By doing so, acupuncture aims to restore balance and alleviate discomfort. In addition to traditional needle insertion, acupuncture can be enhanced through methods such as moxibustion and cupping therapy. Moxibustion involves the application of heat from burning moxa, a dried herb, to the acupuncture points, while cupping creates suction on the skin to improve blood circulation and facilitate healing. The procedure can be performed with or without electrical stimulation, where the needles are connected to a device that delivers continuous electrical pulses, further enhancing the therapeutic effects. For billing purposes, specific CPT® codes are designated for acupuncture sessions, differentiating between those with and without electrical stimulation, as well as the duration of the treatment provided.