Physical Therapy Procedure Codes

Information is available for dates of service before July 1, 2017

Covered PT services are identified by the allowable CPT and HCPCS procedures codes listed in the following table.

Evaluations

Procedure Code

Description

97161*

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 addressing 1—2 elements from any of the following: body structures and functions, activity limitations, and/or participation restrictions;
  • A clinical presentation with stable and/or uncomplicated characteristics; and
  • Clinical decision making of low complexity using standardized patient assessment instrument and/or measurable assessment of functional outcome.

Typically, 20 minutes are spent face to face with the patient and/or family.

97162*

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 addressing a total of 3 or more elements from any of the following: body structures and functions, activity limitations, and/or participation restrictions;
  • An evolving clinical presentation with changing characteristics; and
  • Clinical decision making of moderate complexity using measurable assessment of functional outcome.

Typically, 30 minutes are spent face to face with the patient and/or family.

97163*

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 systems using standardized tests and measures addressing a total of 4 or more elements from any of the following: body structures and functions, activity limitations, and/or participation restrictions;
  • A clinical presentation with unstable and unpredictable characteristics; and
  • Clinical decision making of high complexity using standardized patient assessment instrument and/or measurable assessment of functional outcome.

Typically, 45 minutes are spent face to face with the patient and/or family.

97164*

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 required; and
  • Revised plan of care using a standardized patient assessment instrument and/or measurable assessment of functional outcome.

Typically, 20 minutes are spent face to face with the patient and/or family.


Modalities

Procedure Code

Description

G0281

Electrical stimulation, (unattended), to one or more areas, for chronic stage iii and stage iv pressure ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and venous stasis ulcers not demonstrating measurable signs of healing after 30 days of conventional care, as part of a therapy plan of care

G0282

Electrical stimulation, (unattended), to one or more areas, for wound care other than described in G0281

G0283

Electrical stimulation (unattended), to one or more areas for indication(s) other than wound care, as part of a therapy plan of care

90901

Biofeedback training by any modality

97012

Application of a modality to one or more areas; traction, mechanical

97016

vasopneumatic devices

97018

paraffin bath

97022

whirlpool

97024

diathermy (eg, microwave)

97026

infrared

97028

ultraviolet

97032

Application of a modality to one or more areas; electrical stimulation (manual), each 15 minutes

97033

iontophoresis, each 15 minutes

97034

contrast baths, each 15 minutes

97035

ultrasound, each 15 minutes

97036

Hubbard tank, each 15 minutes

97039

Unlisted modality (specify type and time if constant attendance)


Therapeutic Procedures

Procedure Code

Description

97110

Therapeutic procedure, one or more areas, each 15 minutes; therapeutic exercises to develop strength and endurance, range of motion and flexibility

97112

neuromuscular reeducation of movement, balance, coordination, kinesthetic sense, posture, and/or proprioception for sitting and/or standing activities

97113

aquatic therapy with therapeutic exercises

97116

gait training (includes stair climbing)

97124

massage, including effleurage, petrissage and/or tapotement (stroking, compression, percussion)

97139

Unlisted therapeutic procedure (specify)

97140**

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

97530

Therapeutic activities, direct (one-on-one) patient contact (use of dynamic activities to improve functional performance), each 15 minutes

97533

Sensory integrative techniques to enhance sensory processing and promote adaptive responses to environmental demands, direct (one-on-one) patient contact, each 15 minutes

97535

Self-care/home management training (eg, activities of daily living (ADL) and compensatory training, meal preparation, safety procedures, and instructions in use of assistive technology devices/adaptive equipment) direct one-on-one contact, each 15 minutes

97542

Wheelchair management (eg, assessment, fitting, training), each 15 minutes

97597*

Removal of devitalized tissue from wound(s), selective debridement, without anesthesia (eg, high pressure waterjet with/without suction, sharp selective debridement with scissors, scalpel and forceps), with or without topical application(s), wound assessment, and instruction(s) for ongoing care, may include use of a whirlpool, per session; total wound(s) surface area less than or equal to 20 square centimeters

97598*

total wound(s) surface area greater than 20 square centimeters

97761

Prosthetic training, upper and/or lower extremity(s), each 15 minutes


Other Procedures

Procedure Code

Description

93797*

Physician services for outpatient cardiac rehabilitation; without continuous ECG monitoring (per session)

93798*

with continuous ECG monitoring (per session)

94667*

Manipulation chest wall, such as cupping, percussing, and vibration to facilitate lung function; initial demonstration and/or evaluation

94668*

subsequent

* Procedure may not be provided by an occupational therapist assistant.

** When provided by enrolled physical therapist assistants, Medicaid reimbursement is not available for myofascial release/soft tissue mobilization for one or more regions or joint mobilization for one or more areas (peripheral or spinal).

A unit of time is attained when the mid-point is passed. Providers should refer to the CPT guidelines for direction on reporting units on time based and non-time based procedures.

The same modality may not be reimbursed as a PT service and an OT service on the same DOS for the same member.