Is CPT 97140 massage therapy
John Castro
Published Apr 15, 2026
Manual therapy, CPT code 97140, is also a prescribed treatment that helps address loss of joint strength, mobility, and/or range of motion that is ultimately impeding function.
Can massage therapists Bill 97140?
The CPT codes massage therapists can use without question are: 97010 – hot and cold packs; 97124 – massage; and 97140 – manual therapy. 97112 is not the code for neuromuscular therapy; use 97140 instead. …
Is manual therapy the same as massage therapy?
Massage is used to reduce tension, anxiety, stress, and promote overall circulation, relaxation, and flexibility. Manual therapy is the application of hands-on techniques to body tissues with intent to therapeutically asses and treat.
What CPT codes can a massage therapist use?
- CPT Code 97124 Massage Therapy.
- CPT Code 97140 Manual Therapy.
- CPT Code 97112 Neuromuscular Re-education.
- CPT Codes 97010 Hot/Cold Packs.
- CPT Codes 97110 Therapeutic Exercise.
What modifier do I use for massage therapy?
The use of modifier 59 or XS indicates the service is a separate and distinct service from manipulation; however, the use of modifier XS would technically be more correct or accurate than 59. Make sure you are only using 59 or XS for massage and manual therapy; and only on the same visit as a CMT service.
What is the difference between 97140 and 97124?
97124 is for increasing circulation and to promote tissue relaxation to the muscles. … 97140 is used to describe therapy which increases active pain-free range of motion, increased extensibility of myofascial tissue and facilitates return to functional activities. This code is reported in units of 15 minutes.
Is neuromuscular therapy covered by insurance?
No, neuromuscular massage therapists can assess and treat without referral by a doctor. However most health insurers require a doctors referral before they authorize the coverage of fees, some only require a phone call.
What is the ICD 10 code for massage therapy?
ICD-10-PCS Code 8E0KX1Z – Therapeutic Massage – Codify by AAPC.Does CPT code 97140 need a modifier?
The 97140 CPT code is appended with the modifier -59 or the appropriate -X modifier.
What is a mechanical massage?Mechanical massage is the manipulation of soft tissues using machines. Mechanical massage is used to relieve muscular tension, pain, improve circulation and improve skin condition. Many different types of mechanical massage machines produce similar effects to a manual massage treatment.
Article first time published onIs stretching manual therapy?
Joint range of motion is affected by the amount of flexibility of the muscles that cross the joint. By improving flexibility, the amount of stress on a specific joint is reduced which is why stretching is an important manual therapy procedure used at The Sports Rehabilitation Center.
Who can perform manual therapy?
Manual therapy is often defined slightly differently, depending on the medical professional’s scope of practice, whether an osteopathic doctor (DO), a chiropractor, or a physical therapist.
What is the medical code for massage?
Massage therapy, CPT code 97124, is a prescribed treatment typically performed without patient participation, or passive treatment.
What does GP Modifier stand for?
The GP modifier indicates that a physical therapist’s services have been provided. It’s commonly used in inpatient and outpatient multidisciplinary settings. It’s also used for functional limitation reporting (FLR), as physical therapists must report G-codes, severity modifiers, and therapy modifiers.
What does CPT stand for in physical therapy?
CPT is short for Current Procedural Terminology and the codes published by the American Medical Association. CPT codes are used to classify medical, surgical and diagnostic services and procedures, and range from 00100 to 99499.
Does Medicare cover CPT code 97124?
Services that do not meet the requirements for covered therapy services in Medicare manuals are not payable using codes and descriptions as therapy services. To be considered reasonable and necessary, the services must meet Medicare guidelines. …
How does insurance reimbursement work?
Healthcare providers are paid by insurance or government payers through a system of reimbursement. After you receive a medical service, your provider sends a bill to whoever is responsible for covering your medical costs. … Private insurance companies negotiate their own reimbursement rates with providers and hospitals.
Do insurances cover massages?
At the current time, there is no standard coverage for massage therapy services within large insurance providers. … Usually, if the treatment is medically necessary, or it fits the criteria of coverage provided by the insurance company, your client will be covered and you will be reimbursed.
Does HSA cover massage?
Massages with a doctor’s note of necessity In a case like this, accountholders can use their HSA to pay for the massage. For you to use your HSA to pay for the massage, you must provide a letter of medical necessity from your doctor that therapeutic message is really needed.
Is massage therapy covered by Tricare?
Massage Therapy Physical therapy that is medically necessary is a covered benefit when performed by a TRICARE-authorized physical or occupational therapist. Physical therapy may include massage procedures.
Can a physical therapist Bill 97124?
Therapeutic Massage It’s always important to check your state practice act, but in most cases, physical therapists can bill CPT code 97124 (massage therapy) when they provide therapeutic massage.
Which of the following are activities that should be coded as CPT code 97140 manual therapy?
Manual Therapy Techniques (CPT code 97140) Examples are facilitation of fluid exchange, restoration of movement in acutely edematous muscles, or stretching of shortened muscular or connective tissue.
Is myofascial massage covered by Medicare?
Most patients and massage therapists are not aware of the fact that “massage therapy” and/or “manual therapy techniques/myofascial release” is a covered service by most insurers, including Medicare and self-insured employer plans which fall under the Federal guidelines of ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) …
Is 97140 a chiro code?
Per CPT® guidelines, 97140 describes manual therapy techniques, such as mobilization and manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, and manual traction. Chiropractic adjustments have their own set of codes (98940-98942, or 98943 for an extremity).
Can chiropractors Bill 97140?
American Medical Association (AMA) coding guidelines dictate that it is only appropriate to bill for Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment (CMT) and manual therapy (CPT code 97140) for the same patient on the same visit under certain circumstances.
Can a chiropractor use GP modifier?
In late 2019, UnitedHealthCare (Optum and UHC affiliates) required a particular modifier be appended to all physical medicine services. … GP is the most appropriate for chiropractic claims, as it aligns with the therapy provider “physical therapy”.
When coding an imaging service What is your first character?
The Imaging section consists of 2,934 codes. The first character value for the Imaging section is B. The second character specifies the body system on which the imaging procedure is performed. The third character, root type, indicates the type of imaging procedure.
What is the ICD-10-PCS code for suture removal left eyebrow?
ICD-10-PCS Code 8E0XXY8 – Suture Removal from Upper Extremity – Codify by AAPC.
Are mechanical massagers good?
“If used cautiously, they can be significantly beneficial for people with chronic back pain from sciatica, arthritis, muscle strain, and back stiffness, as well as neck pain and stiffness,” she explains, noting that they provide relief thanks to their ability to increase blood flow to tight muscles via vibration.
What is G5 mechanical massage?
G5 Massage is a mechanical massager that goes much deeper than the therapist can. Different heads are used to mimic different massage techniques. The massage head is driven to turn in gyratory motions, moving round and round, up and down and side to side with pressure, providing a deep massage.
What are mechanical effects of massage?
The mechanical effect of massage is the actual physical contact caused by the pressure applied on the body. The pressure you exert during a massage will stretch the tissues and drive the blood and lymphatic fluid in the direction of the movements.