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Aetna (for example's sake) has a Clinical Policy Bulletin, that says:

Subject: Phonophoresis
Reviewed: April 19, 2005

Policy: Aetna considers the use of phonophoresis experimental and investigational for any indications. Phonophoresis has been used to enhance the absorption of analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents. Controlled clinical trials, however, have failed to demonstrate that phonophoresis increases the rate or extent of absorption of these agents.

Background: Phonophoresis, also known as sonophoresis, generally utilizes an ultrasound apparatus that generates frequencies of 0.7 to 1.1 MHz. The ultrasound intensities employed usually range from 0.0 to 3.0 Watts per cm2. Furthermore, both continuous-mode as well as pulse-mode applications were utilized, and most treatments lasted from 5 to 8 mins, with the exception of treatments of larger areas (greater than 36 cm2) requiring more than 8 mins. The exact mechanism enabling drugs to be propelled into the subcutaneous structures is still unclear.

Phonophoresis has been suggested by early studies to enhance the absorption of analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents. More recent, better-controlled studies have consistently failed to demonstrate that phonophoresis increases the rate of absorption or the extent of absorption over placebo. Several reviews stated that more research is needed to ascertain optimal techniques and conditions for safe and efficacious utilization of physical modalities including phonophoresis; and there is a need for additional research to establish clinical effectiveness and determine optimal treatment parameters for the physical agents (e.g., phonophoresis) used most frequently to alleviate pain in hand therapy.

In a randomized study (n = 60) comparing the effectiveness of ibuprofen phonophoresis with conventional ultrasound therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis, Kozanoglu et al (2003) found that Ibuprofen phonophoresis was not superior to conventional ultrasound.

ICD-9 Codes/CPT Codes

CPT Codes: There is no specific CPT Code for phonophoresis. Providers have used CPT Codes 97035 and 97799.

HCPCS Code: S8945 Physical medicine treatment (constant attendance by provider) to one area, initial 30 minutes, each visit; phonophoresis

I don't know if the S-code is still valid for 2006.

Sharon