How To Use CPT Code 97124

CPT 97124 describes the therapeutic procedure of massage, including effleurage, petrissage, and/or tapotement, for one or more areas of the body, with each session lasting 15 minutes. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 97124?

CPT 97124 is used to describe the therapeutic procedure of massage, which involves applying light or firm pressure to body muscles and tissues using various movement styles such as effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement. This code is specifically used for massages that last for 15 minutes or more and are aimed at restoring blood circulation, relaxing muscles, and stimulating soft tissues.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 97124 is: ‘Therapeutic procedure, one or more areas, each 15 minutes; massage, including effleurage, petrissage, and/or tapotement (stroking, compression, percussion).’ It is important to note that for myofascial release, a different code, 97140, should be used.

3. Procedure

1. The physician or therapist assesses the patient’s condition and determines the need for therapeutic massage.
2. Based on the patient’s specific needs, the therapist selects the appropriate massage techniques, such as effleurage, petrissage, or tapotement.
3. The therapist performs the massage on one or more areas of the patient’s body, applying light or firm pressure to the muscles and tissues.
4. The massage session typically lasts for 15 minutes, but it can be extended if necessary.
5. During the massage, the therapist may use techniques like effleurage (light-touch strokes), petrissage (deep pressure with palms, fingers, and thumbs), and tapotement (brisk striking actions with cupped hands and fingertips).
6. The therapist may focus on specific areas of the body or perform a full-body massage, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences.
7. Multiple sessions of therapeutic massage may be scheduled as part of the patient’s treatment plan.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 97124 is typically used for patients who require therapeutic massage to address specific conditions or symptoms. The massage should be performed by a qualified therapist and may be used for various soft tissue and muscle restorative purposes. The specific techniques used, such as effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement, should be documented. It is important to note that this code is not appropriate for basic relaxation massages or Swedish massages, as there is no separate code for those types of massages.

5. When to use CPT code 97124

CPT code 97124 should be used when a therapeutic massage is performed for one or more areas of the body, with each session lasting 15 minutes or more. It is important to ensure that the massage is aimed at restoring blood circulation, promoting tissue relaxation, and stimulating soft tissues. If the massage is solely for relaxation purposes, a different code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 97124, the following documentation is required:

• Documentation of the patient’s condition and the need for therapeutic massage
• Specific techniques used during the massage, such as effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement
• Date and duration of each massage session
• Areas of the body targeted during the massage
• Progress made by the patient and any additional sessions scheduled
• Signature of the therapist performing the massage

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 97124, it is important to ensure that the massage is performed by a qualified therapist and that each session lasts for 15 minutes or more. This code should not be reported with other codes unless necessary. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and to use the appropriate modifiers if required.

8. Historical information

CPT code 97124 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2010, with the description being updated to include the specific massage techniques of effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement.

9. Examples

1. A therapist performing a 30-minute therapeutic massage on a patient with chronic back pain.
2. A physician providing a 20-minute therapeutic massage to a patient recovering from a sports injury.
3. A therapist using effleurage and petrissage techniques during a 15-minute massage session for a patient with muscle tension.
4. A chiropractor performing a 25-minute therapeutic massage on a patient with neck and shoulder stiffness.
5. A physical therapist using tapotement and petrissage techniques during a 30-minute massage session for a patient with limited range of motion.
6. A massage therapist providing a 40-minute therapeutic massage to a patient with fibromyalgia.
7. A therapist performing a 15-minute therapeutic massage on a patient with postoperative muscle tightness.
8. A sports therapist using effleurage and tapotement techniques during a 25-minute massage session for an athlete with muscle soreness.
9. A therapist providing a 30-minute therapeutic massage to a patient with arthritis to improve joint mobility.
10. A physician performing a 20-minute therapeutic massage on a patient with tension headaches.