Get the Complete Healthcare Practice Aduit Report

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name
Edit Template

Decoding Manual Therapy CPT Code

Decoding Manual Therapy CPT Code

Manual therapy CPT codes accurately report services provided during a physical therapy session involving hands-on techniques to manipulate, mobilize, and massage soft tissues and joints. The manual therapy CPT code would depend on the techniques used and the body region treated. Some joint manual therapy CPT codes include:

  • 97140: Manual therapy techniques (e.g., mobilization/manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, manual traction), one or more regions, each 15 minutes
  • 97124: Massage, including effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement (stroking, compression, percussion), each 15 minutes.
  • 97112: Neuromuscular reeducation of movement, balance, coordination, kinesthetic sense, posture, and proprioception for sitting and standing activities, each 15 minutes.

It is important to note that these codes are often used with other physical therapy CPT codes to reflect the services provided during the session accurately. It is recommended to consult the official CPT manual or a certified professional for accurate coding and billing practices.

What is the CPT code for manual therapy?

Physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (outs) utilize the manual therapy CPT code 97140 to document and bill for the hands-on techniques they employ to mobilize soft tissues and joints. These services generally comprise:

This code signifies 15 minutes of hands-on therapy provided by a healthcare professional to a patient.

When should you utilize cpt code 97140?

The 97140 CPT codes should be utilized when a healthcare professional applies manual techniques to enhance mobility, alleviate pain, or improve tissue function. It must be:

  • performed with the patient present (no unattended modality)
  • documented clearly with time, area treated, and method

It is appropriate in both physical therapy and occupational therapy situations.

Manual therapy CPT Code reimbursement guidelines.

Payment for CPT code 97140 differs by insurance provider. As of recent Medicare rates:

  • Medicare national average: around $25–$30 per unit (15 minutes)
  • Private insurance: rates can vary from $35 to $50, depending on the specific contract

To guarantee full reimbursement:

  • Include a modifier (like 59) when billing 97140 with 97110 (therapeutic exercise cpt code) to indicate separate medical services.
  • Maintain comprehensive documentation that clearly outlines the manual therapy techniques performed and provides justification for medical necessity.

When to Apply 59

The 59 modifier is commonly used when manual therapy (97140) is performed on the same day as another time-based code, such as:

  • 97110 (Therapeutic exercise CPT code)
  • 97530 (Therapeutic activities)

Use modifier 59 to show the services were distinct and separate, preventing denial due to “bundled” procedures.

About Us

Our goal is to streamline your healthcare revenue cycle management, give you the financial freedom your practice deserves, and take control with a partner specializing in provider RCM optimization and service excellence. 

Our Services

Company Info

Access essential company data with a simple click through the 'Download Company Info' feature.

Let's Talk

+1 (917) 994-9941

3811 Ditmars Blvd# 1124,

Astoria, NY 11105

Manual Therapy CPT Code in PT and OT

For Physical Therapists (PT)

Manual therapy is part of standard treatment plans. Use 97140 CPT code PT when:

  • Treating soft tissue tightness
  • Addressing joint stiffness or musculoskeletal dysfunction

For Occupational Therapists (OT)

Manual therapy helps improve the functional use of limbs and daily task performance. Use the manual therapy CPT code OT during:

  • Upper extremity mobilization
  • Soft tissue work for hand therapy
  • Manual lymphatic drainage therapy

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy CPT Code

Manual lymphatic drainage, when implemented by a professional provider, also falls under 97140 if completed manually. For a 35-minute session, document it as 2 units of CPT code 97140 and ensure all time is justified in the notes.

Related Physical Therapy CPT Codes

To better understand how 97140 fits into a PT treatment plan, here are related codes:

  • CPT Code Description
  • 97110 Therapeutic exercise (strength, endurance, flexibility)
  • 97530 Therapeutic activities (dynamic functional tasks)
  • 97112 Neuromuscular reeducation (balance, coordination)
  • 97161–97163 Physical therapy assessments (low to high complexity)
  • 97165–97167 Occupational therapy evaluations
  • 97012 Mechanical traction therapy
  • 97035 Ultrasound therapy

A complete physical therapy CPT codes PDF with updated rates can assist providers in tracking the correct usage and reimbursement policies.

Tips for Billing Manual Therapy CPT Code

  1. Document Precisely:

Always record the duration of the session, the specific body regions treated, and the exact manual techniques applied during each visit.

  1. Use Correct Modifiers:

When billing numerous services, use modifier 59 with 97140 when suitable.

  1. Avoid Duplication:

Don’t bill 97140 alongside other manual or passive treatments on the same site, unless distinct.

  1. Check Payer Guidelines:

Some insurers have unique documentation requirements or authorization rules.

Conclusion

The manual therapy CPT code 97140 plays a crucial role in therapy billing, whether used in PT or OT settings. To escape rejections and ensure full reimbursement:

  • Document thoroughly
  • Apply correct modifiers
  • Understand payer-specific rules

When used correctly, this code supports better care delivery and steady revenue flow for therapy providers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

No. It can be used by both PTs and OTs when manual therapy techniques are performed and meet billing criteria.

Yes, but use modifier 59 if both were done on different body parts or at different times.

Yes. It is billed in 15-minute increments, and must follow the 8-minute rule for Medicare and most payers.

Discover Cures Medical Billing Services Across Different States

Your Success Is Our Success

We are a team of national medical billing service experts based in Astoria, NY, committed to providing ongoing value to our customers. We leverage technology and implement best practices to provide high-quality and cost-efficient medical billing solutions from domestic locations, enabling customers to achieve their business goals. Cures Medical Billing is the best option for any medical billing needs.

Medical billing around Astoria, NY, and beyond is our core competency and our specialists will efficiently manage all your billing needs. Our medical billing specialists have over 12 Plus years of experience with all security technologies to ensure data integrity for our customers. Using our medical billing service, anyone can make their medical billing task less resource-consuming.

Start free 30 Days Trial Now

Contact Our RCM

© 2024 Created Cures Medical Billing Solutions, All copyrights Reserved 

×
Icon

Get a FREE Medical Billing Audit

×

Book A Free Medical Billing Audit