CPT Code 97124: Massage Therapy
Massage therapy, each 15 minutes
CPT 97124 covers massage including effleurage, petrissage and tapotement, billed per 15 minutes of direct one-on-one contact.
What this code covers
Distinguished from manual therapy (97140), massage addresses general circulation and relaxation rather than specific joint or soft tissue dysfunction.
Many payers apply tighter medical necessity limits to 97124 than to 97140.
Documentation must support that the massage is a skilled therapeutic intervention rather than a comfort measure.
Billing and documentation notes
- Timed code subject to the 8-minute rule
- Frequently subject to visit limits or non-coverage under some plans
- Should not be billed with 97140 for the same region and time
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 97124, frequently asked questions questions
- What is CPT code 97124?
- CPT 97124 covers massage including effleurage, petrissage and tapotement, billed per 15 minutes of direct one-on-one contact.
- What are the billing requirements for CPT 97124?
- Timed code subject to the 8-minute rule Frequently subject to visit limits or non-coverage under some plans Should not be billed with 97140 for the same region and time
- Does Healthcare SBC handle billing for 97124?
- Yes. Our certified coders bill 97124 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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