Vasopneumatic devices are machines designed to pump cold water into an inflatable wrap or brace, compressing the enveloped area of the body. This form of treatment is common among physical therapy practices, and has been proven effective in reducing swelling in the applied area.

Does medicare cover 97016?

Medicare and most commercial payers do not pay for cryotherapy (97010) and, if paid, the amount is typically nominal. Medicare and many other payers do pay for vasopneumatic compression (97016), but generally only for managing swelling or lymphedema.

What is Vasopneumatic compression?

Vasopneumatic compression devices (VCD) are a form of compression therapy that uses mechanical force from a pump to intermittently exerts external pressure on a body part (i.e., increasing hydrostatic pressure, milking effects on fluid).