How Much Does Ultrasound Therapy (Physical Therapy) Cost?
Also known as: App mdlty 1+ultrasound ea 15 (CPT 97035)
Ultrasound therapy using sound waves to promote healing and reduce pain in deep tissues.
Ultrasound Therapy (Physical Therapy) (CPT 97035) costs $14 at Medicare rates.
Patient Guide: Ultrasound Therapy (Physical Therapy)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
The therapist applies gel to your skin and moves an ultrasound head over the affected area. You may feel warmth or tingling. The sound waves penetrate deep into the tissue.
How Long Does It Take?
5-10 minutes per area
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Tendinitis, bursitis, chronic inflammation, scar tissue, muscle strains, ligament sprains
How to Prepare
The treatment area should be accessible. Tell your therapist about any metal implants in the area.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside App mdlty 1+ultrasound ea 15
How to Reduce Your Cost for App mdlty 1+ultrasound ea 15
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (0.43) x CF ($33.40) = $14
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
People Also Ask
Common questions people search for about this procedure
How many times a week should you do ultrasound therapy?
How often should I receive ultrasound therapy? Most patients benefit from 2-3 sessions per week for 4-6 weeks, though treatment frequency may be adjusted based on progress. Is ultrasound therapy safe? Yes, ultrasound therapy is non-invasive and performed by trained professionals, ensuring both safety and effectiveness.
What are the disadvantages of ultrasound therapy?
Does insurance cover therapeutic ultrasound?
Currently in the US, there is some level of insurance coverage of focused ultrasound to treat bone metastases, essential tremor, liver tumors, Parkinson's disease, uterine prostate cancer, and fibroids. Learn more about reimbursement by stakeholder group below.
Can you do ultrasound therapy at home?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does App mdlty 1+ultrasound ea 15 cost?
The Medicare facility rate for App mdlty 1+ultrasound ea 15 is $14. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does App mdlty 1+ultrasound ea 15 cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of App mdlty 1+ultrasound ea 15 can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover App mdlty 1+ultrasound ea 15?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover App mdlty 1+ultrasound ea 15 when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.