CPT® Code 97814

Add-On Code

Acupuncture, 1 or more needles; with electrical stimulation, each additional 15 minutes of personal one-on-one contact with the patient, with insertion of needle(s) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

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 points on the body, known as acupuncture points. The primary goal of acupuncture is to stimulate these points to enhance the flow of chi, or vital energy, through the body's meridian pathways. By doing so, acupuncture aims to restore balance and promote healing within the body. In addition to traditional needle insertion, acupuncture can be combined with other modalities such as moxibustion and cupping therapy. Moxibustion involves the burning of moxa, a dried herb, either on or near the skin to encourage healing, while cupping therapy creates localized suction to improve blood circulation and facilitate recovery. Acupuncture can be performed with or without electrical stimulation. When electrical stimulation is used, the needles are connected to a generator that delivers continuous electrical pulses, enhancing the therapeutic effects of the treatment. For billing purposes, specific CPT® codes are designated for different aspects of acupuncture: code 97810 is used for the initial 15 minutes of acupuncture without electrical stimulation, 97811 for each additional 15 minutes without electrical stimulation, 97813 for the first 15 minutes with electrical stimulation, and 97814 for each additional 15 minutes with electrical stimulation, including the insertion of needles.