What are the billing requirements for CPT 97110?

Timed code: apply the 8-minute rule to determine billable units Requires direct one-on-one patient contact for the time billed Documentation must link the exercise to a measurable functional goal Frequently reviewed for medical necessity when billed at high unit volumes

Does Healthcare SBC handle billing for 97110?

Yes. Our certified coders bill 97110 routinely as part of full-service revenue cycle management, including documentation review, correct unit calculation where applicable, modifier application and denial management specific to this code.

CPT 97110Therapy

CPT Code 97110: Therapeutic Exercise

Therapeutic exercise, each 15 minutes

CPT 97110 covers therapeutic exercises performed to develop strength, endurance, range of motion and flexibility, billed in 15-minute increments of direct one-on-one contact.

What this code covers

97110 is a timed code, meaning units are determined by the total minutes of direct one-on-one treatment and calculated under Medicare's 8-minute rule.

Documentation must identify the specific exercises performed, the body areas treated, and the objective functional deficit the exercise addresses.

This is the most frequently billed code in outpatient physical therapy, which also makes it one of the most frequently audited.

Billing and documentation notes

Timed code: apply the 8-minute rule to determine billable units
Requires direct one-on-one patient contact for the time billed
Documentation must link the exercise to a measurable functional goal
Frequently reviewed for medical necessity when billed at high unit volumes

Related codes

CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. This page provides a general summary for educational purposes and is not a substitute for the official CPT code set, payer policy or professional coding judgment. Verify against current official descriptors and applicable payer policy before billing.

FAQ

CPT 97110, frequently asked questions questions

What is CPT code 97110?: CPT 97110 covers therapeutic exercises performed to develop strength, endurance, range of motion and flexibility, billed in 15-minute increments of direct one-on-one contact.
What are the billing requirements for CPT 97110?: Timed code: apply the 8-minute rule to determine billable units Requires direct one-on-one patient contact for the time billed Documentation must link the exercise to a measurable functional goal Frequently reviewed for medical necessity when billed at high unit volumes
Does Healthcare SBC handle billing for 97110?: Yes. Our certified coders bill 97110 routinely as part of full-service revenue cycle management, including documentation review, correct unit calculation where applicable, modifier application and denial management specific to this code.

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