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2025 CPT code 97140

Manual therapy techniques (mobilization/manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, manual traction), one or more regions, per 15 minutes.

Follow CPT coding guidelines for physical medicine and rehabilitation. Report each distinct manual therapy procedure performed.Do not code for multiple regions simultaneously unless the techniques are applied concurrently to all regions. The time spent must be face-to-face with the patient and dedicated exclusively to manual therapy.

Modifiers may be used as appropriate, such as modifiers for multiple procedures or assistant surgeons, depending on the context.However, modifier 51 should not be used.

Medical necessity is established by documenting the patient's diagnosis, symptoms, and functional limitations warranting manual therapy. The chosen techniques should be clinically appropriate for the condition and supported by objective findings.

The clinical responsibility lies with the physician or other qualified healthcare professional (e.g., physical therapist) performing the manual therapy.This includes assessment, treatment planning, hands-on application of techniques, and monitoring patient response.

IMPORTANT:For needle insertions without injections (e.g., dry needling, trigger-point acupuncture), use CPT codes 20560 and 20561.For biofeedback training by EMG, use CPT code 90901. For transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS), use CPT code 97014 (supervision only) or 97032 (constant attendance).

In simple words: This code covers hands-on physical therapy techniques like massage, joint mobilization, and stretching, lasting 15 minutes.It's used to treat muscle and joint problems.

This CPT code, 97140, reports manual therapy techniques such as mobilization, manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, and manual traction applied to one or more regions of the body.Each 15-minute interval of direct one-on-one patient contact constitutes one unit.The code excludes needle insertions without injections (dry needling, trigger-point acupuncture; see codes 20560, 20561).

Example 1: A patient presents with chronic lower back pain. The physical therapist performs manual therapy, including spinal manipulation and soft tissue mobilization, for 30 minutes. Two units of 97140 are reported., A patient with neck pain receives manual lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling. The therapist spends 15 minutes on this technique. One unit of 97140 is billed., A patient with shoulder impingement undergoes 45 minutes of manual therapy involving joint mobilization, muscle stretching, and soft tissue techniques. Three units of 97140 are reported.

Detailed documentation is crucial for proper coding and reimbursement. This includes:* Comprehensive patient history and examination findings, specifying the involved region(s) and symptoms.* Treatment plan outlining the specific manual therapy techniques employed.* Precise recording of the duration of each technique, in 15-minute intervals.* Documentation of the patient's response to the treatment.* Progress notes reflecting the overall improvement, or lack thereof.

** The code reflects direct, one-on-one contact between the practitioner and the patient for each 15-minute interval.The practitioner must be a physician or other qualified healthcare professional.

  • Revenue Code: P6C (Medicare Fee Schedule: MINOR PROCEDURES - OTHER)
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is not typically applicable to 97140 as it represents the professional component of the manual therapy service.
  • Specialties:Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Chiropractic, Sports Medicine
  • Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Physical Therapy Clinic, Other Place of Service
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