CPT Code 97014 – A Complete Guide for Physical Therapy Billing in 2025 Call Us Leave a Message The 97014 CPT codes are assigned for delivering electrical muscle stimulation without constant supervision in rehab or chiropractic therapy. In practice, 97014 is used when a therapist applies an electrical stimulation device and leaves the patient to receive treatment (hands-free EMS). This modality helps manage pain, reduce inflammation, and promote muscle recovery without the therapist’s constant presence. In clinics, treatments using 97014 often last 15–30 minutes, applying electrodes to sore or weak muscles. Key uses include chronic musculoskeletal pain relief and muscle strengthening in rehab programs. Hands-free EMS: 97014 allows therapists to set up electrical stimulation (e.g, TENS, interferential current) and then leave the patient to continue the therapy. This boosts clinic efficiency by treating multiple patients simultaneously. Pain and Rehab: Unattended EMS under 97014 is a non-invasive, drug-free way to ease muscle spasms and encourage healing. It’s commonly used for conditions like back pain, arthritis, tendonitis, sports injuries, or neurological deficits (e.g., stroke, spinal cord injury) Simple Setup: Since 97014 covers the application of electrodes and machine operation (but not manual stimulation), it incurs low overhead per session. The cost of supplies (electrodes, gel) is bundled into the code’s reimbursement. CPT 97014 – Description and Clinical Use CPT 97014 is defined as “Application of a modality to 1 or more areas; electrical inspiration (unattended), each 15 minutes.” In physical therapy, this means the clinician assigns electrodes to the patient and programs an EMS device, then steps away (the device runs automatically). This contrasts with CPT 97032 (attended electrical stimulation), where the provider actively adjusts the device with the patient. Unattended EMS under 97014 is not timed in the way exercise codes are; one unit covers the entire treatment session, regardless of length (typically up to 30 minutes). Chronic Pain Conditions: Back pain, joint pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis. EMS can disturb pain signs and spasms. Post-Surgical Rehab: After joint or orthopedic surgery, EMS under 97014 helps activate muscles when movement is limited. Neurological Injury: Patients with stroke or incomplete spinal cord injury often receive EMS to leg muscles to retrain walking (as in the illustration). Soft-Tissue Injuries: Inflammation from tendonitis, bursitis, or muscle strains can be eased by the increased blood flow from EMS. Medicare Coverage and Billing (97014 vs. G0283) A crucial issue with 97014 is Medicare coverage. Medicare does not diagnose CPT 97014 for compensation. CMS has explicitly stated that “CPT® code 97014 is an invalid code on the Medicare fee schedule and should not be reported.  Thus, several claims to Medicare by 97014 will be denied. G0283 vs 97014 – How They Compare Feature CPT 97014 HCPCS G0283 Code Type CPT (Physical Medicine & Rehab) HCPCS (Medicare-specific) Service Unattended electrical stimulation Unmonitored electrical therapy Medicare Use Not covered – Invalid Covered by Medicare. Typical Payers: Most commercial insurers and workers’ all Medicare suppliers and various payers Payment varies by insurer; around $10–$20 per unit (15 min.) Paid under Medicare – reimbursement Modifiers attach to the GP. For OT, attach GO (see below). Same modifiers (GP/GO). Notes: Not timed; one unit per session. If for private payers, confirm health necessity. Classified as a “supervised modality” in Medicare’s NCD, but the therapist does not stay with the patient. 50% reduction applies if billed with other PT services on the same day (MPPR policy). 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GO (Outpatient Occupational Therapy) – Use GO if an occupational therapist provides the modality. GN (Speech Therapy) – Rarely applicable for EMS. KX (PT/OT Therapy Cap Exceeded) – If your patient has reached the Medicare therapy threshold and services are still medically necessary, append KX with documentation of necessity. For example, when filing a Medicare claim involving code 97014 (commonly reported as G0283), it’s important to include the GP modifier if the therapy is part of a documented physical therapy plan of care. Cost, Pricing, and Reimbursement The cost to deliver 97014 is relatively low: the EMS device and reusable electrodes are the main expenses. From a billing perspective, providers should be aware of typical reimbursement rates. Published data suggest wide variation, but one industry analysis found average paid amounts of roughly $10–$20 per unit (each 15-minute service) for both 97014 and G0283. This range depends on insurer contracts and location. (Hospitals, clinics, and outpatient settings may each have different fee schedules.) Keep in mind: Private Insurance: Many insurers reimburse 97014 on a fee schedule. Check each payer’s rate table. Some plans apply “multiple procedure payment reductions” if EMS is billed with other therapy codes on the same day. Medicare: Payment for G0283 is set by CMS and varies by state/locality. The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Outpatient Therapy Fee Schedule provide the official allowance. Note that CMS applies a 50% practice-expense reduction (MPPR) on “always therapy” modalities when multiple are