Physical medicine and rehabilitation, the 97140 CPT code is a key part of healthcare workers. This code represents manual therapy techniques performed by qualified providers to deal with different conditions and ensure that patients receive targeted practical care.
Let’s dive into what the CPT code 97140 means, how it is charged, and who can use it effectively in clinical practice.
Manual therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy, where practical techniques are used to solve soft tissues, joints, nerves, or blood vessels. It is an approach based on evidence used to improve mobility, relieve pain, and improve function.
Some common manual therapy techniques include:
CPT Code 97140 can only be charged with qualified healthcare workers trained in manual therapy techniques, including:
CPT Code 97140 follows the 8-Minute Rule, which specifies the minimum treatment time required to bill for a single unit:
Units | Number of Minutes |
1 unit | ≥ 08 minutes through 22 minutes |
2 units | ≥ 23 minutes through 37 minutes |
3 units | ≥ 38 minutes through 52 minutes |
4 units | ≥ 53 minutes through 67 minutes |
5 units | ≥ 68 minutes through 82 minutes |
6 units | ≥ 83 minutes through 97 minutes |
7 units | ≥ 98 minutes through 112 minutes |
8 units | ≥ 113 minutes through 127 minutes |
Proper time tracking is essential to avoid billing errors and ensure compliance.
For successful reimbursement of CPT code 97140, providers must document:
Yes, CPT codes 97140 (manual therapy) and 97110 (therapeutic exercises) can be billed together under specific circumstances. To do so:
Each code serves a specific purpose, and proper documentation ensures accurate billing and reimbursement.
CPT CODE 97140 plays an important role in providing practical patient care in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and chiropractic practices. Understanding its instructions, including the correct use of modifiers and time billing system, helps maximize payment and ensures compliance with insurance requirements.
Health workers may document medical necessity and observance to the coding rules that healthcare professionals can effectively address the needs of their patients while maintaining accurate billing procedures.
CPT Code 97140 covers manual therapy practices, like myofascial issue, joint mobilization, and soft matter mobilization. In my experience as a physical therapy biller, this code is often used after injuries or surgeries to help patients regain range of motion and reduce pain.
Yes but here’s the key: use modifier -59 if the manual therapy was done on a different body area than the other service. I’ve seen claims denied just because this modifier was missing. Always make sure the documentation clearly shows distinct procedures.
It’s billed in 15-minute units. So if your provider spends 30 minutes doing manual therapy, you can bill 2 units. I’ve had payers request documentation audits to verify time, so we always chart start/stop times just to be safe.
Typically, it’s used by physical therapists, chiropractors, and occupational therapists. However, I’ve seen denials when the documentation doesn’t clearly show hands-on technique by a qualified provider. Assistants can’t bill this code independently.
Common reasons include:
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