Iontophoresis (CPB 0229, reviewed 2026-04-23)
Summary
Aetna considers iontophoresis medically necessary for delivering local anesthetic before emergent skin puncture or dermatological procedures, for intractable disabling primary focal hyperhidrosis of the axillae, palms or soles when the stated criteria are met, for short-term iontophoretic fentanyl for acute postoperative pain, and for the sweat test by pilocarpine iontophoresis to diagnose cystic fibrosis. The policy lists many other uses as experimental, investigational or unproven, including acetic acid for rotator cuff disease, heel pain and epicondylitis, corticosteroid or NSAID iontophoresis for musculoskeletal disorders, onychomycosis and tinnitus, because of insufficient evidence of its effectiveness. CPT 97033 is covered for iontophoresis only when the selection criteria are met.
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