What is the difference between iontophoresis and phonophoresis, and how should each be billed?
Phonophoresis is the application and delivery of medication through the use of sound waves (ultrasound). A cream or gel preparation (usually a high percentage cortisone preparation) is applied to the skin and then ultrasound is utilized to push the medication through the skin to the structures below. The ultrasound code (97035) should be utilized when billing for phonophoresis. Iontophoresis is a transdermal delivery device for medication using electrical current. Medication is placed in electrodes that have small vesicles. Electrical current is passed through the electrode and the polarity difference helps to push the medication through the skin. The 97033 code should be used when billing for iontophoresis.
