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A contrast bath is a therapeutic technique that utilizes alternating temperatures of water to promote healing and reduce inflammation in specific areas of the body. This method involves immersing a body part or the entire body in a tub filled with warm water, followed by a quick transition to cold water. The process typically begins with immersion in warm water for a duration of 1 to 3 minutes, immediately followed by immersion in cold water for the same time frame. This cycle is repeated for a total duration of 15 to 20 minutes, concluding with the cold water immersion. The contrast in temperatures facilitates a rapid constriction and dilation of blood vessels, which enhances circulation and creates a pumping effect that can help alleviate swelling and inflammation associated with various conditions. Contrast baths are particularly beneficial for patients suffering from reflex sympathetic dystrophy, synovitis, tenosynovitis, and acute edema resulting from trauma, as they can aid in the recovery process by promoting blood flow and reducing discomfort in the affected areas.
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Contrast baths are indicated for various conditions that involve inflammation and swelling. The following are specific indications for the use of this therapeutic modality:
The procedure for administering a contrast bath involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment. Each step is crucial for achieving the desired therapeutic outcomes.
After completing the contrast bath treatment, patients may experience a reduction in swelling and pain in the affected area. It is important to monitor the patient for any adverse reactions, such as increased pain or discomfort. Patients are often advised to rest the treated area and may be encouraged to engage in gentle range-of-motion exercises to further promote recovery. Additionally, hydration is essential following the procedure to support overall healing and recovery. Follow-up assessments may be necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and to determine if additional sessions are required.
| Short Descr | APP MDLTY 1+CNTRST BTH EA 15 | Medium Descr | APPL MODALITY 1+ AREAS CONTRAST BATHS EA 15 MIN | Long Descr | Application of a modality to 1 or more areas; contrast baths, each 15 minutes | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 7 - Physical Therapy Service, for which Payment may not be Made | Multiple Procedures (51) | 5 - Special payment adjustment rules on the RVU practice expense component of multiple therapy service applies... | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Service Paid under Fee Schedule or Payment System other than OPPS | Type of Service (TOS) | 1 - Medical Care | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 213 - Physical therapy exercises, manipulation, and other procedures |
| GP | Services delivered under an outpatient physical therapy plan of care | GO | Services delivered under an outpatient occupational therapy plan of care | 77 | Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | CQ | Outpatient physical therapy services furnished in whole or in part by a physical therapist assistant | KX | Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met | CO | Outpatient occupational therapy services furnished in whole or in part by an occupational therapy assistant | 97 | Rehabilitative services: when a service or procedure that may be either habilitative or rehabilitative in nature is provided for rehabilitative purposes, the physician or other qualified health care professional may add modifier 97 to the service or procedure code to indicate that the service or procedure provided was a rehabilitative service. rehabilitative services help an individual keep, get back, or improve skills and functioning for daily living that have been lost or impaired because the individual was sick, hurt, or disabled. | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit |
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| 2024-01-01 | Changed | Short and Medium Descriptions changed. |
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| 2010-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 1995-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1995. |
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