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Official Description

Application of a modality to 1 or more areas; Hubbard tank, each 15 minutes

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The Hubbard tank is a specialized hydrotherapy modality that involves the immersion of the entire body in a large tub filled with water. This therapeutic approach utilizes a motorized system to agitate the water, creating a whirlpool effect that enhances the treatment's effectiveness. The primary purpose of the Hubbard tank is to facilitate warm water therapy, which is known to promote increased blood circulation. This is achieved by dilating blood vessels, thereby allowing a greater flow of oxygen and essential cells to reach areas of injury or damage. The Hubbard tank is particularly beneficial in the treatment of burns and open wounds, as it aids in the debridement process. This involves the removal of necrotic tissue, cellular debris, and biofilm, which can impede healing. Additionally, the Hubbard tank assists in the removal of adherent dressing materials and other contaminants, making it a valuable tool in wound care management.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The Hubbard tank modality is indicated for various conditions that benefit from hydrotherapy and enhanced circulation. The following are the explicitly provided indications for the use of the Hubbard tank:

  • Treatment of Burns The Hubbard tank is utilized to manage burn injuries, facilitating healing through improved blood flow and tissue debridement.
  • Management of Open Wounds This modality is effective in treating open wounds by promoting the removal of dead tissue and contaminants, thereby supporting the healing process.

2. Procedure

The procedure for utilizing the Hubbard tank involves several key steps that ensure effective treatment. Each step is designed to maximize the therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy.

  • Preparation of the Hubbard Tank Prior to the procedure, the Hubbard tank must be filled with warm water to a comfortable temperature. The water is then agitated using a motorized system to create a whirlpool effect, which enhances the therapeutic properties of the treatment.
  • Patient Immersion The patient is carefully assisted into the Hubbard tank, ensuring their safety and comfort. Full body immersion is typically achieved, allowing the therapeutic effects of the warm water to act on the entire body.
  • Duration of Treatment The patient remains in the Hubbard tank for a specified duration, typically in increments of 15 minutes. During this time, the agitation of the water aids in increasing circulation and promoting relaxation.
  • Post-Treatment Care After the treatment session, the patient is assisted out of the tank. Any necessary post-procedure care, such as drying the patient and assessing the treated areas, is performed to ensure their comfort and safety.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the use of the Hubbard tank, patients may experience increased blood circulation and a reduction in pain or discomfort in the treated areas. It is important to monitor the patient for any adverse reactions and to provide appropriate post-procedure care. This may include drying the patient thoroughly and applying any necessary dressings to treated wounds. Patients should be advised on any follow-up treatments or additional care required to support their recovery process.

Short Descr APP MDLTY 1+HUBBRD TNK EA 15
Medium Descr APPL MODALITY 1+ AREAS HUBBARD TANK EA 15 MIN
Long Descr Application of a modality to 1 or more areas; Hubbard tank, 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 3
CCS Clinical Classification 214 - Traction, splints, and other wound care
GP Services delivered under an outpatient physical therapy plan of care
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
GO Services delivered under an outpatient occupational therapy plan of care
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main 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
Date
Action
Notes
2024-01-01 Changed Short and Medium Descriptions changed.
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
1995-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1995.
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