Quick Guide to CPT Billing Codes for Laser Therapy in Chiropractic and Physical Therapy
As a chiropractor or physical therapist, integrating Class 4 therapy lasers into your practice can revolutionize patient outcomes—from accelerating musculoskeletal and soft tissue repair to expanding services like neuropathy treatment, joint rehab, fibromyalgia management, neck and spine rejuvenation, no-needle acupuncture, and drug-free pain relief. But to maximize clinic revenues, mastering the right CPT billing codes is essential. This updated guide draws on the latest 2025 guidelines from the American Medical Association (AMA), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and industry best practices, helping you bill effectively while navigating reimbursement challenges.
Whether you’re using high-intensity Class 4 lasers for deeper tissue penetration or combining them with modalities like shockwave therapy, proper coding ensures compliance and cash flow.
Disclaimer
This information is provided without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Reimbursement guidelines change from state to state and carrier to carrier. The majority of practitioners have found that offering Class 4 laser therapy as a cash based service yields better results. We make no promises or guarantees regarding reimbursement via use of billing codes. Always consult your healthcare attorney, certified coder, and insurance carriers to verify appropriate coding for your treatments. These are guidelines only, subject to updates—check the AMA CPT manual and CMS resources for the most current details.
Table of Contents
Related Billing Codes for Laser Therapy
Related Billing Codes for Laser Massage
Related Billing Codes for Laser Acupuncture
Medicare Billing for Laser Therapy
Related ICD-10 Codes for Laser Therapy
Related CPT Billing Codes for Laser Therapy
Class 4 lasers, often used for high intensity laser therapy (HILT), treat conditions like acute/chronic pain, inflammation, and tissue repair. While there’s no dedicated CPT code for HILT or Class 4 systems, providers commonly use unlisted or modality codes with detailed documentation. Here’s a breakdown of the most common codes as of October 2025:
97037: Application of a Modality to One or More Areas; Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Introduced as a more specific code for low-level laser therapy, this can be used for Class 4 lasers when operated at lower intensities. It requires constant provider attendance and is reported per session. Reimbursement typically ranges from $25–$50, depending on the payer. Tips for Success:
Bill as “97037: Low-level laser therapy” or “97037: Attended laser therapy.”
Include documentation specifying device (e.g., FDA-cleared Class 4 laser) and treatment details (time, areas, outcomes).
Use modifier -59 if performed alongside other modalities to indicate distinct service.
0552T: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Each 15 Minutes A Category III code for physician- or therapist-administered LLLT, suitable for Class 4 lasers when modulated to lower power outputs. Reimbursement varies ($30–$60 per 15 minutes), but confirm payer acceptance as it’s not universally covered. Billing Example: “0552T: Attended low-level laser therapy, 15 minutes.”
97039: Unlisted Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation Service or Procedure (Attended Modality, Unspecified) This remains a primary code for attended Class 4 laser sessions requiring constant provider oversight. Reimbursable at an RVU of about 0.31, expect payouts of $20–$50 per unit due to its “attended” status.
Tips for Success:
Bill as “97039: Attended high-intensity laser therapy” or “97039: Attended photonic stimulation.”
Attach a one-page device description (e.g., FDA-cleared Class 4 laser specs) and session notes detailing time, areas treated, and clinical rationale.
Use modifier -59 (distinct procedural service) if combined with other therapies, and -22 (increased procedural services) for complex cases to boost reimbursement by 20–50%.
97139: Unlisted Therapeutic Procedure (One-on-One) Use for direct, hands-on laser integration into therapeutic plans. It emphasizes provider-patient time (8–22 minutes per unit) but invites scrutiny—pair with robust SOAP notes.
Billing Example: “97139: Photonic stimulation with constant attendance.”
97026: Application of a Modality to One or More Areas; Infrared For infrared-based laser delivery, but reimbursement is lower ($10–$25) as it’s often viewed as a basic heat modality. Enhance with “-22” modifier for “unusual services” in Class 4 contexts.
97112: Neuromuscular Re-education of Movement, Balance, Coordination, Kinesthetic Sense, Posture, and Proprioception A timed code (15-minute units) for laser-enhanced rehab. Document start/end times, body regions, and goals (e.g., 23 minutes for one unit). Great for joint rehab or post-injury protocols.
Pro Tip: For shockwave-laser combos, consider 0019T/0101T (extracorporeal shockwave) alongside 97039—check integration guides at Class4lasers.com for revenue-boosting bundles.
Related CPT Billing Codes for Laser Massage
Combining Class 4 lasers with manual techniques expands fibromyalgia, scar tissue, and soft tissue mobilization services. Bill in 15-minute units with one-on-one contact.
97140: Manual Therapy Techniques (e.g., Mobilization/Manipulation, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Manual Traction) Covers laser-assisted soft tissue work for pain reduction, ROM improvement, and edema dispersal. Average 1–3 units per session ($25–$45 each).
Requirements: Separate from primary complaint area; use -59 modifier. Billing Example: “97140: Manual therapy with integrated laser infrared.”
97124: Therapeutic Massage For laser-enhanced effleurage/petrissage to boost circulation and relax tissues in neuropathy or chronic pain cases. Not for basic relaxation—focus on therapeutic intent.
Key Difference from 97140: Use 97124 for circulation/muscle relaxation; 97140 for functional ROM gains. Document both if used same-day with -59. Reimbursement: $15–$30 per unit.
Related CPT Billing Codes for Laser Acupuncture
Class 4 lasers enable no-needle auricular therapy and point stimulation, ideal for needle-phobic patients, kids, or sensitive areas like Jing-well points.
97780: Acupuncture, One or More Needles; Without Electrical Stimulation (or 97781 with stimulation) Caveat: Most payers require at least one needle for acupuncture billing—lasers alone won’t qualify. Bill lasers as an add-on under 97039 if combined.
Best Practice: Charge per visit time, not modality. Use lasers for pre-needling desensitization in painful points or scar blockages. No extra charge if integrated—patients pay for expertise.
When to Choose Laser Over Needles: Needle aversion, pediatric cases, ear sensitivity, or extreme pain. Combine for synergy (e.g., laser first to reduce “fullness”).
Alternative: S8948 (HCPCS Level II: Low-Level Laser Application, Each 15 Minutes)—payer-specific, not Medicare-valid. Consult carriers pre-use.
Medicare Billing for Laser Therapy
Medicare views low-level and high-intensity laser therapy as not medically necessary under Section 1862(a)(1)(A), so it’s non-covered. Submit claims for denial to shift responsibility to patients via ABN (Advance Beneficiary Notice).
Recommended Approach: Use local carrier’s preferred code (e.g., 97039) with:
GP Modifier: Outpatient physical therapy plan of care.
GY Modifier: Statutorily excluded service (triggers “PR” patient responsibility remark on EOB—avoid “CO” contractual denial).
2025 Thresholds: $3,000 annual cap for PT/SLP combined (separate $3,000 for OT). Exceed? Add KX modifier and prepare for targeted review. Conversion factor: $32.35 (down 2.83% from 2024).
Note: S-codes like S8948 are invalid for Medicare. Always document for appeals.
Related ICD-10 Billing Codes for Laser Therapy
Pair CPT codes with these diagnosis codes for musculoskeletal/soft tissue conditions treatable by Class 4 lasers. (Not exhaustive—use 2025 updates effective Oct. 1, 2024.)
Condition
ICD-10 Code
Description
Traumatic Arthropathy
M12.80–M12.89
Other specific arthropathies, not elsewhere classified
Joint Pain
M25.50–M25.59
Pain in joint (e.g., shoulder, knee)
Joint Stiffness
M25.60–M25.69
Stiffness of joint, not elsewhere classified
Torticollis
M43.6
Torticollis
Thoracic Spine Pain
M54.6
Pain in thoracic spine
Lumbago/Low Back Pain
M54.5
Low back pain
Synovitis/Tenosynovitis
M65.10–M65.9
Other synovitis and tenosynovitis
Muscle Spasm
M62.830
Muscle spasm
Myalgia/Myositis
M79.1
Myalgia
Neuralgia/Neuritis/Radiculitis
M79.2
Neuralgia and neuritis, unspecified
Fasciitis
M72.9
Fasciitis, unspecified
Limb Pain
M79.60–M79.69
Pain in limb, hand, or foot
Limb Swelling
R60.0–R60.1
Localized edema
Limb Cramp
R25.2
Cramp and spasm (limb)
Headache
G44.209
Tension-type headache, unspecified, intractable
Sacroiliac Sprain/Strain
S33.6XXA–S33.6XXS
Sprain of sacroiliac joint
Back Sprain/Strain
S39.012A–S39.012S
Strain of muscle, fascia, and tendon of lower back
Ready to invest in a new Class 4 laser to help boost outcomes and revenues? Schedule a free consultation at Class4lasers.com or Call our concierge team at 1-800-575-7963
