Acupuncture, 1 or more needles; with electrical stimulation, initial 15 minutes of personal one-on-one contact with the patient
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Acupuncture with Electrical Stimulation
Summary
Acupuncture with electrical stimulation involves inserting thin needles into the skin and then applying a mild electrical current to the needles. This combination aims to enhance traditional acupuncture's effects.
Purpose
Medical Condition or Problem: This procedure is often used for pain management, muscle spasms, and to promote healing. Goals: The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and stimulate healing processes.
Indications
Specific Symptoms: Chronic pain, muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, and nerve pain. Patient Criteria: Patients who have not found relief from other treatments, or who prefer non-pharmacological options.
Preparation
Pre-procedure Instructions: Patients should wear loose clothing and avoid heavy meals before the session. Diagnostic Tests: No specific tests are generally required; however, a health assessment for contraindications might be performed.
Procedure Description
- Assessment: The practitioner assesses the patient's condition and identifies acupuncture points.
- Insertion: Thin sterile needles are inserted into specific points on the body.
- Electrical Stimulation: An electrical device is connected to the needles, delivering a gentle current.
- Monitoring: The practitioner adjusts the current and monitors the patient’s comfort.
- Tools Used: Acupuncture needles, electrical stimulation device.
- Anesthesia: Not typically required, but local anesthesia may be used for nervous patients.
Duration
Typically, the procedure takes about 15 minutes.
Setting
Usually performed in an outpatient clinic or a specialized acupuncture center.
Personnel
Healthcare Professionals: Licensed acupuncturists and sometimes medical doctors with training in acupuncture.
Risks and Complications
Common Risks: Minor bleeding, soreness, or bruising at needle insertion sites. Rare Risks: Infection, nerve damage, allergic reaction to needles. Complications Management: Practitioners are trained to recognize and manage any adverse effects.
Benefits
Expected Benefits: Pain relief, improved muscle function, reduced inflammation. Onset of Benefits: Benefits may be felt immediately or after several sessions.
Recovery
Post-procedure Care: Patients may need to rest and stay hydrated. Recovery Time: Generally immediate, with no significant downtime. Follow-up Appointments: May be needed if multiple sessions are required.
Alternatives
Other Treatment Options: Physical therapy, medication, surgical interventions. Pros and Cons: Alternatives may involve medications with side effects or more invasive procedures.
Patient Experience
During the Procedure: Patients may feel a tingling or mild electrical sensation. After the Procedure: Some may feel relaxed or a bit sore; pain relief may vary. Pain Management: Normally manageable without the need for additional pain relief measures.