Most Common Acupuncture Cpt Codes: A Complete Guide For Practitioners

By Author: Albert
Total Articles: 90
Comment this article

Accurate CPT coding is essential for healthcare providers who offer acupuncture services. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or managing a wellness center, using the correct acupuncture CPT codes ensures clean claim submissions, faster reimbursements, and reduced denials. As insurance coverage for acupuncture continues to grow, proper coding has become more critical than ever.
This guide explains the most common acupuncture CPT codes, their correct usage, documentation guidelines, and how partnering with a professional CPT coding company like Allzone can streamline your billing process.
Why Accurate Acupuncture CPT Coding Matters
Using incorrect or incomplete CPT codes can lead to:
✅ Claim rejections
✅ Reduced reimbursements
✅ Compliance risks
✅ Delayed payments
To avoid these issues, many practices now rely on expert CPT coding services to ensure accurate documentation and maximum reimbursements.
Understanding the Structure of Acupuncture CPT Codes
Acupuncture CPT codes are designed to indicate whether electrical stimulation was used and how much time ...
... was spent with the patient. They are time-based and billed per session.
Here are the most common codes:
CPT Code
Description
Billing Details
97810
Initial acupuncture without electrical stimulation
First 15 minutes with insertion of 1+ needles
97811
Subsequent acupuncture without electrical stimulation
Each additional 15 minutes
97813
Initial acupuncture with electrical stimulation
First 15 minutes with insertion of 1+ needles
97814
Subsequent acupuncture with electrical stimulation
Each additional 15 minutes

Detailed Breakdown of Common Acupuncture Codes
1. CPT Code 97810 – Initial Session (No Electrical Stimulation)
Billed for the first 15 minutes of direct patient contact, including needle insertion without electrical stimulation. This code is used only once per visit.
2. CPT Code 97811 – Subsequent 15 Minutes (No Electrical Stimulation)
After the initial session (97810), this code can be reported for each additional 15-minute interval of treatment without electrical stimulation.
3. CPT Code 97813 – Initial Session (With Electrical Stimulation)
Used for the first 15 minutes when needles are accompanied by electrical stimulation. Just like 97810, this can only be billed once per session.
4. CPT Code 97814 – Subsequent 15 Minutes (With Electrical Stimulation)
Used after 97813 for each additional 15-minute increment involving electrical stimulation.
Key Documentation Requirements
To ensure accurate coding and avoid payer disputes, documentation must include:
Start and end time of the session
Whether electrical stimulation was used
Number of needles inserted
Patient response and treatment outcomes
Follow-up recommendations
Incomplete documentation is one of the top reasons acupuncture claims get denied.
Common Coding Mistakes to Avoid
Using 97810 or 97813 for subsequent sessions
Failing to document time-based services
Incorrectly coding electrical vs. non-electrical sessions
Under-reporting additional time segments
Submitting claims without necessary modifiers
Outsourcing to a professional CPT coding company ensures these errors are minimized.
How CPT Coding Services Improve Reimbursement Accuracy
Partnering with an expert team like Allzone Management Services offers several benefits:
Accurate selection of acupuncture CPT codes
Compliance with payer-specific guidelines
Reduced denials and faster reimbursements
Automated review and audit support
Time savings for your practice
Allzone provides expert CPT coding services tailored to acupuncture and integrative healthcare providers, helping you maximize revenue while staying compliant.
Billing Example: How to Code an Acupuncture Session
Scenario: A patient undergoes 40 minutes of acupuncture with electrical stimulation.
Correct Coding:
97813 – First 15 minutes
97814 – Next 15 minutes
97814 – Final 10 minutes (Qualifies for second 97814 as it meets the 8-minute rule)

When to Outsource Acupuncture CPT Coding
If your practice struggles with any of the following, outsourcing may be your best solution:
Frequent coding or documentation errors
Increasing claim rejections
Inconsistent reimbursement cycles
Limited in-house CPT coding knowledge
High staff turnover or training costs
A professional coding partner ensures regulatory compliance and seamless revenue cycle success.
Why Choose Allzone for CPT Coding Services?
Allzone is a trusted CPT coding company specializing in medical billing and coding for acupuncture practices, wellness clinics, and alternative medicine providers. Here’s what sets us apart:
AHIMA & AAPC-certified coders
Accurate CPT code usage
98% claim acceptance rate
24/7 support
Affordable and scalable solutions
Boost Your Reimbursements with Allzone – Contact Us Today!
Ready to improve your coding accuracy and revenue performance? Let our experts take the burden off your shoulders.
Call Us: +1 866-854-2714
Email: sales@allzonems.com
Location: Allzone, 450 N. Brand Blvd. Suite 613, Glendale, CA 91203
Final Thoughts
Using the correct acupuncture CPT codes—such as 97810, 97811, 97813, and 97814—is essential for proper reimbursement and compliance. Partnering with a professional CPT coding company like Allzone ensures accuracy, reduces claim denials, and improves financial outcomes.
If you’re ready to optimize your practice’s billing process, professional CPT coding services are the key to unlocking better revenue growth and operational efficiency.
Read more: https://www.allzonems.com/most-common-acupuncture-cpt-codes/