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.
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).
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.
Feature | CPT 97014 | HCPCS G0283 |
Code Type | CPT (Physical Medicine & Rehab) | HCPCS (Medicare-specific) |
Service | Unattended electrical stimulation (EMS) to 1+ areas in PT/Chiro (non-wound) | Unmonitored electrical therapy is administered for non-wound care indications within a structured treatment plan. |
Medicare Use | Not covered – Invalid on Medicare fee schedule. Use G0283 instead. | Covered by Medicare. Paid under the therapy fee schedule. Necessary for Medicare claims. |
Typical Payers | Most commercial insurers and workers’ comp use 97014 for EMS (no constant attendance). Medicare Advantage also requires G0283. | All Medicare suppliers and various payers follow Medicare’s lead. Some non-Medicare payers accept G0283 as well. |
Payment | Varies by insurer; reported averages around $10–$20 per unit (15 min) | Paid under Medicare – reimbursement set by local fee schedules. (Electrode cost included.) |
Modifiers | For PT services, attach the GP. For OT, attach GO (see below). | Same modifiers (GP/GO) apply as needed; also, KX if over therapy threshold. |
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). |
When billing for physical therapy treatments such as 97014, adding the correct modifier helps specify the therapy type:
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.
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:
Using the wrong code or omitting a needed modifier can trigger denials and audits. For example, billing 97014 on a Medicare patient not only leads to immediate rejection, but it can also flag your account for review.
A denied EMS claim costs time and money to fix – one study estimated ~$180 in administrative costs per denied claim. Worse, incorrect coding may lead to recoupment if identified in an audit.
Navigating CPT 97014 from distinguishing it from G0283 to applying the right modifiers can be complex. Cure’s Billing Services specializes in therapy billing compliance. Our team stays current on Medicare policy and payer requirements so you don’t have to.
If you need expert guidance on EMS billing or any physical therapy codes, contact Cures Billing Services today. We specialize in improving your reimbursement rates, applying the correct modifiers (like GP, GO, KX), and resolving claim denials efficiently. Let us manage the complexities of coding so you can dedicate more time to your patients.
CPT Code 97014 is used for electrical stimulation therapy specifically unattended stim, where the machine runs without a therapist present the whole time. It’s frequently used to help reduce pain, expand circulation, or relax muscles. If you’ve ever had sticky pads placed on your back that tingle, that’s likely what this code covers.
While 97014 is technically not recognized by Medicare, many private insurers still accept it. For Medicare billing, you’d typically use G0283 instead, which covers the same type of unattended electrical stimulation. Always check the payer’s current policy before billing.
No, 97014 falls under “unattended” therapy, which means a provider doesn’t have to be with the patient the entire time. It’s different from other codes like 97032 (attended electrical stimulation), where hands-on time and supervision are required. This makes it a more passive treatment option in most therapy plans.
It depends on the payer. Some commercial insurance plans do reimburse for 97014, especially when it’s documented properly and deemed medically necessary. But Medicare does not reimburse this code instead, you’d bill G0283. Make sure to double-check reimbursement guidelines for each specific insurer.
Yes, but with some rules. You can bill 97014 alongside other therapy services as long as they’re distinct and properly documented. However, you can’t stack multiple modalities for the same purpose without justification. Also, remember that bundling rules or modifiers like 59 may apply depending on the services.
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