How To Use CPT Code 97140

CPT 97140 describes the use of manual therapy techniques by a physical therapist to treat various soft tissue and joint disorders. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 97140?

CPT 97140 is used to describe the application of manual therapy techniques by a physical therapist to address soft tissue and joint disorders. This code is utilized when the therapist uses controlled movements and pressure with their hands to improve joint mobility, tissue repair, lymphatic drainage, and traction.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 97140 is: ‘Manual therapy techniques (e.g., mobilization/manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, manual traction), one or more regions, each 15 minutes.’

3. Procedure

1. The physical therapist assesses the patient’s condition and identifies the need for manual therapy.
2. Based on the assessment, the therapist selects appropriate manual therapy techniques to address the patient’s specific soft tissue and joint disorders.
3. The therapist performs controlled movements and applies pressure with their hands to mobilize and manipulate the affected regions.
4. During the session, the therapist may also incorporate manual lymphatic drainage and traction techniques to further enhance the therapeutic effects.
5. The duration of each session is typically 15 minutes, and additional sessions may be scheduled as needed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 97140 is applicable to patients with soft tissue and joint disorders that can benefit from manual therapy techniques. These disorders may include chronic back pain, musculoskeletal injuries, and other conditions affecting the mobility and function of soft tissues and joints. The therapy must be performed by a qualified physical therapist.

5. When to use CPT code 97140

CPT code 97140 should be used when a physical therapist applies manual therapy techniques to address soft tissue and joint disorders. It is important to note that this code should not be used for needle insertions without injections, such as dry needling or trigger-point acupuncture.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 97140, the physical therapist must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for manual therapy
• Specific manual therapy techniques used for each region
• Date and duration of each session (15 minutes per unit)
• Progress made by the patient and any additional sessions scheduled
• Signature of the physical therapist providing the service

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 97140, ensure that the service is provided by a qualified physical therapist and that the duration of each session is accurately reported (15 minutes per unit). It is important to note that CPT 97140 should not be reported if needle insertions without injections are performed. Consider the location of the therapy when coding, as there may be different codes for professional and technical components.

8. Historical information

CPT 97140 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1999. The code was later revised on January 1, 2010, with the updated description of manual therapy techniques for one or more regions, each 15 minutes.

9. Examples

1. A physical therapist using manual therapy techniques to mobilize and manipulate the joints of a patient with chronic back pain.
2. A physical therapist performing manual lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling in a patient with post-operative edema.
3. A physical therapist applying manual traction to improve joint alignment and relieve pain in a patient with a musculoskeletal injury.
4. A physical therapist using manual therapy techniques to enhance tissue repair and mobility in a patient recovering from a sports-related injury.
5. A physical therapist incorporating manual therapy techniques to address soft tissue restrictions and improve range of motion in a patient with frozen shoulder.
6. A physical therapist utilizing manual therapy techniques to alleviate muscle tension and improve flexibility in a patient with fibromyalgia.
7. A physical therapist performing manual lymphatic drainage to promote lymphatic flow and reduce swelling in a patient with lymphedema.
8. A physical therapist using manual therapy techniques to mobilize and manipulate the joints of a patient with osteoarthritis.
9. A physical therapist applying manual traction to decompress spinal structures and alleviate nerve compression in a patient with herniated disc.
10. A physical therapist incorporating manual therapy techniques to address soft tissue adhesions and improve functional mobility in a patient with adhesive capsulitis.