Top 10 Physical Therapy CPT Codes (+ How to Use Them)

A women give the physical therapy serviece to the men treat by the Physical Therapy CPT Codes

Accurate CPT coding is critical for physical therapy billing success. Below is a breakdown of the most-used PT codes, their applications, and tips to avoid claim denials. Common physical therapy CPT codes include 97110 (therapeutic exercise), 97530 (activity training), and 97140 (manual therapy).

These codes cover rehab for orthopedic, neurological, and post-surgical conditions. Proper documentation ensures compliance and reimbursement

Whether you’re a PT, clinic owner, or biller, this guide breaks down standard codes, Medicare rules, and billing best practices in simple terms.

Why Physical Therapy CPT Codes Matter

CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes serve as the universal language for therapists to document and bill their services. Selecting incorrect codes can result in:

  • Denied claims
  • Lower reimbursements
  • Audit risks

Let’s dive into the most essential PT codes, how to use them, and what’s changed in 2024.

Most Used Physical Therapy CPT Codes

CPT 97110 – Therapeutic Exercise

What It Covers: Strength/flexibility drills (resistance bands, weights).
Best For: Post-knee replacement (ICD-10: M25.561), rotator cuff rehab (S46.011A).
Billing Tip: Track time in 15-minute increments; maximum payers’ cap at 8 units/day.

CPT 97112 – Neuromuscular Reeducation

Used for: Balance, coordination, and posture retraining (common for stroke or Parkinson’s patients).

What is the difference from 97110?CPT code 97112 targets coordination and movement training, while 97110 is centered on strengthening specific muscles.

CPT 97140 – Manual Therapy

Used for: Hands-on techniques (joint mobilization, soft tissue work).

Is it PT? Yes! However, some insurers require proof of medical necessity.

CPT 97161-97163 – Physical therapy Evaluations

  • 97163 (High Complexity): For patients with multiple conditions requiring detailed assessments.

(See the full table below for more codes.)

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Physical Therapy CPT Code Cheat Sheet

CPT Code

Description

Avg. Reimbursement

Key ICD-10 Pairings

97110

Therapeutic Exercise

25−25−35

M25.561 (knee pain), S83.519A (ACL sprain)

97530

Therapeutic Activities

40−40−50

I69.351 (stroke), Z96.64 (hip implant)

97140

Manual Therapy

35−35−45

M54.5 (low back pain), M75.00 (frozen shoulder)

97750

Physical Performance Test

50−50−70

Z79.899 (long-term drug therapy), S72.001A (hip fracture)

(Ranges vary by state/payer. Medicare pays ~20% less than private insurers.)

Billing Tips to Avoid Denials

  • Use Modifiers Wisely (e.g., -59 for distinct services).
  • Document Medical Necessity (Insurers demand proof!).
  • Check Payer-Specific Rules (Medicare vs. private insurers differ).
  • Stay updated (CMS changes codes yearly—2025 adjustments matter!).

Final Thoughts

Choosing the correct codes helps ensure proper reimbursement and reduces the risk of audits. Bookmark this guide,  and always double-check payer-specific policies.

Need help? Consult a medical billing expert to streamline your claims!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

high-complexity evaluation for patients with multiple conditions (e.g., post-surgical + neurological deficits).

Yes! It covers hands-on techniques like joint mobilization—but some insurers require documentation proving medical necessity.

  • 97110 = Strength/flexibility exercises (e.g., squats, resistance bands).
  • 97112 = Movement retraining (e.g., balance drills after a stroke).

There’s no single “session” code—you bill based on time and services (e.g., 97110 + 97140 for exercise + manual therapy).

Common physical therapy CPT codes include 97110 (therapeutic exercise), 97112 (neuromuscular re-education), 97530 (therapeutic activities), 97140 (manual therapy), and 97161–97163 (evaluations).

As of now, no new PT-specific CPT codes have been added for 2025, but always check CMS and AMA updates annually.

“Physiotherapy” is often synonymous with physical therapy in the U.S., and uses the same CPT codes like 97110, 97140, 97530, etc.

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