Top 7 Questions Practitioners Have About Laser Therapy and TECAR Therapy

When considering advanced treatment options like laser therapy and TECAR therapy, practitioners often have questions about how these devices integrate into their practice. In this blog, we’ll answer the top 7 questions practitioners commonly ask about laser and TECAR therapy to help clarify their benefits and usage.

1. Should You Apply Laser Therapy or TECAR Therapy First?

Both Laser and TECAR Therapy can yield excellent results, regardless of the order in which they are applied. However, many doctors prefer the following sequence for optimal outcomes:

Step 1: Start with TECAR Therapy

Begin by assessing the specific area that needs treatment. Determine the best placement for the return plate and electrodes to ensure targeted and effective therapy. Starting with TECAR Therapy allows for deep tissue stimulation and promotes enhanced blood flow, preparing the area for the next stage.

Step 2: Follow with Laser Therapy

After completing the TECAR Therapy treatment, follow up with Laser Therapy. TECAR Therapy enhances vascularization, making it easier for the laser to penetrate and maximize its effectiveness.

It is not necessary to use both therapies together, as each is effective on its own. However, many practitioners have reported outstanding results when combining these two modalities.

Always ensure that patients are suitable candidates for these therapies by reviewing contraindications to guarantee both safety and efficacy.

2. How do you price Laser Therapy and TECAR Therapy to patients?

Pricing for these treatments varies by practice and should reflect the value and effectiveness of the services provided.

Many clinics offer discounted packages of 5-15 sessions for patients who pre-pay, while others charge a flat fee per session. Patients often see results early on, making package options appealing, though many also appreciate the flexibility of single-session purchases. Offering both can cater to a wider range of patient preferences.

Clinics typically charge between $50-$150 per session for laser and TECAR therapy, but pricing can vary based on location and the specific conditions treated.

To calculate pricing that ensures a return on investment for your device, try using our ROI calculator.

3. How long does each treatment take?

Treatment sessions typically last between 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated and whether both technologies are used in a single session.

 4. How often should a patient be treated?

For acute conditions, daily treatments are often recommended, especially when significant pain is involved. Chronic issues, however, tend to respond best to 2-3 sessions per week, gradually reducing to once a week or every other week as improvement continues.

5. How many treatments does it take?

The number of treatments needed varies based on the condition. Acute issues may resolve within 1 to 6 sessions, while more chronic conditions often require 10 to 15 treatments or more. For conditions like severe arthritis, ongoing periodic care may be necessary to effectively manage pain.

6. Can these treatments be billed to insurance?

Insurance coverage for laser and TECAR therapy depends on your clinic and the specific discipline you practice. Some providers are able to bill for these treatments based on the procedure type and method used. For instance, radiofrequency therapy for soft tissue mobilization may be billed under code 97140, provided your clinic can bill for that service.

However, many providers choose to offer these therapies as cash-based services due to their high value and effectiveness.

7. What should a clinical note look like for these treatments?

For laser therapy, it’s essential to document the specific unit used, as this affects how the treatment is applied. Additionally, record the area treated and the device settings. It’s also helpful to note the patient’s subjective heat level on a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 indicating no heat and 10 feeling intensely hot. This will give you insight into the patient’s response to the treatment.

For TECAR therapy, tracking the heat level is equally important to gauge the patient’s reaction. You should also document the intensity used, as it may fluctuate during treatment based on the patient’s heat tolerance. Be sure to record the peak intensity reached during the .

When billing insurance, it’s critical to log the time spent on the treatment, including the appropriate time code.

Here’s a quick documentation checklist for laser and TECAR therapies:

1. Area Treated
2. Device Settings
3. Patient’s Heat Level
4. Treatment Duration