CPT 97037: Directed Laser Therapy for Postoperative Pain
Commercial payers pay $97 on average nationally for this procedure.
CPT code 97037 describes directed laser therapy applied to one or more sites to reduce postoperative pain; this is a modality service typically provided in an outpatient rehabilitation or physical therapy clinic setting as part of postoperative pain management and recovery care.
For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Radiofrequency Facet and Sacroiliac Joint Ablation/ Denervation, Facet Joint Injections/ Medial Branch Blocks, Lysis of Epidural Adhesions (Epidural Adhesiolysis).
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National Reimbursement Benchmarks
National commercial rates for CPT 97037 center around BUCA’s average commercial rate of $97.4, which serves as a practical mid-market indicator. Blue Cross Blue Shield exhibits a relatively wide middle spread (P75 $116.90 minus P25 $41.70 = $75.20), reflecting greater variability in negotiated mid-range rates. Aetna shows the largest dispersion between its P75 and P25 (P75 $212.00 minus P25 $85.00 = $127.00), indicating substantial variability in higher-end contract pricing.
Cigna displays the tightest middle distribution with a P75–P25 range of $10.00 (P75 $75.00 minus P25 $65.00), suggesting consistent commercial pricing across contracts. BUCA’s interquartile spread is $69.70 (P75 $130.20 minus P25 $58.30), placing it between Cigna and the more variable Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield levels.