How Much Does Ultrasound Therapy (Physical Therapy) Cost?
Also known as: App mdlty 1+ultrasound ea 15 (CPT 97035)
A therapy treatment using sound waves to promote deep tissue healing and reduce pain.
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 and moves a small wand over the affected area. You may feel gentle warmth. It is painless.
How Long Does It Take?
15 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Tendonitis, bursitis, muscle strains, scar tissue, joint stiffness
How to Prepare
No special preparation. Wear clothing that allows access to the treatment area.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside App mdlty 1+ultrasound ea 15
App mdlty 1+ultrasound ea 15 Cost by Location
Medicare-adjusted rates across CMS localities
| Location | Medicare Rate | Est. Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| AK — ALASKA | $18 | $24 — $37 |
| AL — ALABAMA | $13 | $17 — $27 |
| AR — ARKANSAS | $13 | $17 — $27 |
| AZ — ARIZONA | $14 | $18 — $28 |
| CA — BAKERSFIELD | $15 | $20 — $30 |
| CA — CHICO | $15 | $20 — $30 |
| CA — EL CENTRO | $15 | $20 — $30 |
| CA — FRESNO | $15 | $20 — $30 |
| CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN | $15 | $20 — $30 |
| CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) | $16 | $21 — $32 |
| CA — MADERA | $15 | $20 — $30 |
| CA — MERCED | $15 | $20 — $30 |
| CA — MODESTO | $15 | $20 — $30 |
| CA — NAPA | $17 | $22 — $34 |
| CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA | $16 | $21 — $32 |
| CA — REDDING | $15 | $20 — $30 |
| CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA | $15 | $20 — $30 |
| CA — RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO-ONTARIO | $15 | $20 — $30 |
| CA — SACRAMENTO-ROSEVILLE-FOLSOM | $16 | $20 — $31 |
| CA — SALINAS | $16 | $20 — $31 |
| CA — SAN DIEGO-CHULA VISTA-CARLSBAD | $16 | $21 — $32 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (MARIN CNTY) | $18 | $23 — $36 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (SAN FRANCISCO/SAN MATEO/ALAMEDA/CONTRA COSTA CNTY) | $18 | $23 — $36 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SAN BENITO CNTY) | $18 | $24 — $36 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SANTA CLARA CNTY) | $18 | $24 — $36 |
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
Medicare rates for this procedure range from $13 to $18 depending on location. Commercial rates vary even more.
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
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.