Summary & Overview
HCPCS K1036: Low-Frequency Ultrasonic Diathermy Supplies, Monthly
HCPCS Level II code K1036 denotes monthly supplies and accessories (for example, a transducer) used with low-frequency ultrasonic diathermy treatment devices. The code covers consumable or non-capital components furnished on a monthly basis to support therapeutic ultrasound care. Nationally, K1036 matters because it captures recurring supply costs for rehabilitative and physical therapy services that rely on ultrasound-based modalities, affecting billing workflows and monthly rental or supply reporting.
Key payers included in the analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of how K1036 is categorized, typical sites of service, and the clinical context for low-frequency ultrasonic diathermy. The publication outlines common billing considerations and presents benchmarks and policy-relevant points when available. It also highlights areas where payers may apply coverage policies, rental versus purchase distinctions, and documentation expectations tied to therapeutic device supplies.
This summary provides clinicians, billing staff, and policy stakeholders a concise reference to the clinical purpose of K1036, payer coverage landscape, and the types of analyses included in the full publication, including benchmark comparisons, coverage policy notes, and practical coding guidance. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code K1036 describes supplies and accessories (e.g., transducer) for low frequency ultrasonic diathermy treatment device, per month. This code represents the monthly provision of device-specific supplies and accessories used with low-frequency ultrasonic diathermy therapy.
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Service type: Durable medical equipment supplies and accessories for therapeutic ultrasound
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Typical site of service: Outpatient clinics, physical therapy or rehabilitation centers, and home use under rental or supply arrangements
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a middle-aged adult with chronic musculoskeletal pain, such as persistent shoulder bursitis or knee osteoarthritis, who is prescribed low-frequency ultrasonic diathermy as part of a physical medicine treatment plan. The patient presents to an outpatient physical therapy clinic or an ambulatory rehabilitation center for scheduled therapy sessions. A licensed physical therapist or physiatrists' office staff prepares the low-frequency ultrasonic diathermy device and attaches a single-use or monthly transducer accessory specified by billing code K1036. The clinic documents the medical necessity (e.g., refractory pain, limited range of motion despite conservative care), the diagnosis code(s) supporting the procedure, device and accessory use, date ranges for monthly supply billing, and any concurrent therapeutic modalities. Billing uses K1036 to report the monthly supply/accessory charge; the facility or supplier submits the code with appropriate modifier(s) to indicate professional component, reduced services, or physical location as needed. Typical sites of service include outpatient rehabilitation clinics, hospital outpatient departments, and freestanding physical therapy centers. Patient workflow: evaluation by therapist → treatment plan authorizes diathermy → scheduled treatment visits using device and transducer(s) → supplier documents monthly supply usage and bills K1036 with supporting notes and diagnosis codes.
Coding Specifications
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