What is insurance code 97012?

Asked by: Vito Stanton  |  Last update: November 3, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (29 votes)

CPT defines CPT Code 97012 as "Application of modality to one or more areas; traction, mechanical." CPT Code 97012 is a supervised modality. Supervised modalities are defined as the application of a modality to 1 or more areas, which does not require direct (one-on-one) patient contact by the provider.

Is 97012 physical therapy?

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code 97012 as maintained by American Medical Association, is a medical procedural code under the range - Supervised Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Modalities.

How much is CPT code 97012 reimbursement?

Chiropractic decompression therapy and coding

The reimbursement for CPT 97012 averaged approximately $6-25 depending on the payer.

What is the modifier for CPT code 97012?

Modifier 59

59 is used to signify that a chiropractic procedure or service is independent of other codes and needs to be paid separately. A good example of when to use modifier 59 would be chiropractic CPT code 97012 (mechanical traction) and CPT code 97140 (manual therapy).

Is 97012 a time based code?

Performing treatment based on an 'untimed' CPT code means that you won't need to record the specific amount of time spent performing the treatment. Regardless of whether you spend 10, 20, or 30 minutes assisting a patient with mechanical traction (CPT 97012), you can only bill 1 unit.

Physical Therapy Billing Codes

43 related questions found

Does Medicare pay for 97012?

Only 1 unit of CPT code 97012 is generally covered per date of service.

Can you bill 2 units of 97012?

The time devoted to patient education related to the use of home traction should be billed under 97012. Only 1 unit of CPT code 97012 is generally covered per date of service.

What does CPT code 97010 mean?

CPT Code 97010 is defined as "Any physical agent applied to produce therapeutic changes to biologic tissue; includes but not limited to thermal, acoustic, light, mechanical, or electric energy."

What is CPT code 97010 bundled?

97010 – Application of a modality; hot or cold packs

CPT code 97010 will be denied as bundled. Application of hot or cold packs is included with any therapy performed. The supply used for the modality should not be billed and is not separately payable.

Can you bill 97014 to Medicare?

For starters, 97014 is not a valid code when you're billing Medicare. Chiropractors must use the code G0283 for Medicare patients.

Is 97010 a timed code?

hot/cold packs (97010) – Service code irrespective of time.

How do I find my CPT code reimbursement?

To find the CPT or HCPCS billing code, look on the bill provided to you by your health care provider. You may also download a zip file of the 2022 HCPCS codes, then select the “January 2022 Alpha-Numeric HCPCS File (ZIP).”

What are the two types of physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a type of rehabilitation that helps patients regain movement and function after an injury or surgery. There are two main types of physical therapy: rehabilitative and restorative.

What is the difference between PT and PTA in physical therapy?

PTA's practice alongside PT's, and can perform many of the same techniques as PT's. The biggest difference between a PT and a PTA is that PTA's cannot perform an initial evaluation or create a plan of care. These diagnostic and evaluative skills are only to be performed by a licensed physical therapist.

Do physical therapists use OMT?

Some OMT techniques are similar to those used by chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists, whereas others are unique to osteopathic physicians.

What is the CPT code for physical therapy exam?

97161: Physical therapy evaluation, low complexity. 97162: Physical therapy evaluation, moderate complexity. 97163: Physical therapy evaluation, high complexity.

What is the CPT code for tens unit physical therapy?

Instructing the patient on the tens unit is billable under 97032. Typically speaking, most payers are only going to pay for a couple of visits to achieve a favorable response from the patient.

What is the 15-minute rule for CPT codes?

Unlike service-based CPT codes, time-based CPT codes can be billed as multiple units in 15-minute increments. Meaning that one unit would represent 15 minutes of therapy. A therapist must provide direct one-to-one therapy for at least 8 minutes to receive reimbursement for a time based treatment code.

Is manual therapy a timed code?

CPT® code 97140: Manual therapy techniques, 1 or more regions, each 15 minutes (Mobilization/manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, manual traction) As the authority on the CPT® code set, the AMA is providing the top-searched codes to help remove obstacles and burdens that interfere with patient care.

What is the difference between time-based and service-based CPT codes?

What are time-based CPT codes? Time-based (or constant attendance) codes allow for variable billing in 15-minute increments. These differ from service-based (or untimed) codes, which providers can only bill once regardless of how long they spend providing a particular treatment.

What is not included in billable time for a time-based code?

Service-based time must be counted separately as it can only count for one billable unit, regardless of how much time was spent. It should not be added in with the time-based services.

Is 97014 a time-based code?

CPT 97014 is "electrical stimulation (unattended)." This untimed code is not appropriate for dysphagia treatment if the SLP must be present to activate electrical stimulation at the appropriate moment.