Descriptions & Lay-Terms For Physical Therapy CPT Codes

The CPT codes for Physical Therapy can be grouped into six different chapters. We will covers Manual and Mechanical Therapies, Electrical Stimulation Therapies, Ultrasound Therapy, Therapeutic Exercises and Activities, Physical Therapy Evaluation and Re-evaluation and the last chapter contains the CPT codes for Specialized Testing and Unlisted Services.

1. CPT Codes for Manual and Mechanical Therapies

Manual and mechanical therapies are physical therapy techniques that involve hands-on treatment to improve circulation, relieve pain, and increase the range of motion. These therapies include manipulation of the chest wall and manual therapy techniques.

1.1 CPT Code 94667

Lay-term: CPT 94667 is used when a provider performs initial chest wall manipulation, such as cupping, percussing, and vibration, to improve lung function.

Long description: Manipulation chest wall, such as cupping, percussing, and vibration to facilitate lung function initial demonstration and/or evaluation.

Short description: Initial chest wall manipulation.

1.2 CPT Code 94668

Lay-term: CPT 94668 is used when a provider performs subsequent sessions of chest wall manipulation to facilitate lung function.

Long description: Manipulation chest wall, such as cupping, percussing, and vibration to facilitate lung function, subsequent sessions.

Short description: Subsequent chest wall manipulation.

1.3 CPT Code 97140

Lay-term: CPT 97140 is used when a provider performs manual therapy techniques, such as mobilization/manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, and manual traction, on one or more regions.

Long description: Manual therapy techniques (e.g., mobilization/manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, manual traction), 1 or more regions, each 15 minutes.

Short description: Manual therapy techniques.

2. CPT Codes for Electrical Stimulation Therapies

Electrical stimulation therapies involve the use of electrical current to stimulate nerve and muscle function. These physical therapies can help reduce pain, improve circulation, and strengthen muscles.

2.1 CPT Code 97014

Lay-term: CPT 97014 is used when a provider applies an unattended electrical stimulation modality to one or more areas.

Long description: Application of a modality to 1 or more areas; electrical stimulation (unattended).

Short description: Unattended electrical stimulation.

2.2 CPT Code 97032

Lay-term: CPT 97032 is used when a provider applies a manual electrical stimulation modality to one or more areas.

Long description: Application of a modality to 1 or more areas; electrical stimulation (manual), each 15 minutes.

Short description: Manual electrical stimulation.

3. CPT Code for Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to treat medical problems, especially musculoskeletal problems like inflammation from injuries and is described by CPT 77035.

3.1 CPT Code 97035

Lay-term: CPT 97035 is used when a provider applies an ultrasound modality to one or more areas.

Long description: Application of a modality to 1 or more areas; ultrasound, each 15 minutes.

Short description: Ultrasound therapy.

4. CPT Codes for Therapeutic Exercises and Activities

Therapeutic exercises and activities are designed to restore normal strength, endurance, flexibility, and stability. They are used by physical therapists to help patients regain or maintain their physical abilities.

4.1 CPT Code 97110

Lay-term: CPT 97110 is used when a provider performs therapeutic exercises to develop strength and endurance, range of motion, and flexibility.

Long description: Therapeutic procedure, 1 or more areas, each 15 minutes; therapeutic exercises to develop strength and endurance, range of motion, and flexibility.

Short description: Therapeutic exercises.

4.2 CPT Code 97164

Lay-term: CPT 97164 is used when a provider performs a re-evaluation of a physical therapy established plan of care.

Long description: Re-evaluation of physical therapy established plan of care, requiring these components: An examination including a review of history and use of standardized tests and measures is performed and a revised plan of care using a standardized patient assessment instrument and/or measurable assessment of functional outcome.

Short description: Re-evaluation of physical therapy plan.

5. CPT Codes for Physical Therapy Evaluation and Re-evaluation

Physical therapy evaluation and re-evaluation are essential to determine the right treatment plan for the patient. These codes are used to report the complexity of the evaluation or re-evaluation performed.

5.1 CPT Code 97161

Lay-term: CPT 97161 is used when a provider performs a low complexity physical therapy evaluation.

Long description: Physical therapy evaluation: low complexity, requiring these components: A history with no personal factors and/or comorbidities that impact the plan of care; an examination of body system(s) using standardized tests and measures; a clinical presentation with stable and/or uncomplicated characteristics; and clinical decision making of low complexity.

Short description: Low complexity physical therapy evaluation.

5.2 CPT Code 97162

Lay-term: CPT 97162 is used when a provider performs a moderate complexity physical therapy evaluation.

Long description: Physical therapy evaluation: moderate complexity, requiring these components: A history of present problem with 1-2 personal factors and/or comorbidities that impact the plan of care; an examination of body system(s) using standardized tests and measures; a clinical presentation with evolving characteristics; and clinical decision making of moderate complexity.

Short description: Moderate complexity physical therapy evaluation.

5.3 CPT Code 97163

Lay-term: CPT 97163 is used when a provider performs a high complexity physical therapy evaluation.

Long description: Physical therapy evaluation: high complexity, requiring these components: A history of present problem with 3 or more personal factors and/or comorbidities that impact the plan of care; an examination of body system(s) using standardized tests and measures; a clinical presentation with unstable and/or complex characteristics; and clinical decision making of high complexity.

Short description: High complexity physical therapy evaluation.

6. CPT Codes for Specialized Testing and Unlisted Services

Specialized testing and unlisted services in physical therapy include a variety of procedures and services that do not have a more specific CPT code. These codes are used when a service or procedure does not have a code that accurately describes the service.

6.1 CPT Code 97750

Lay-term: CPT 97750 is used when a provider performs a physical performance test or measurement.

Long description: Physical performance test or measurement (e.g., musculoskeletal, functional capacity), with written report, each 15 minutes.

Short description: Physical performance test or measurement.

6.2 CPT Code 97799

Lay-term: CPT 97799 is used when a provider performs an unlisted physical medicine/rehabilitation service or procedure.

Long description: Unlisted physical medicine/rehabilitation service or procedure.

Short description: Unlisted physical medicine/rehabilitation service.

6.3 CPT Code 97039

Lay-term: CPT 97039 is used when a provider performs an unlisted modality.

Long description: Unlisted modality (specify type and time if constant attendance).

Short description: Unlisted modality.

6.4 CPT Code 97139

Lay-term: CPT 97139 is used when a provider performs an unlisted therapeutic procedure.

Long description: Unlisted therapeutic procedure (specify).

Short description: Unlisted therapeutic procedure.