Common Chiropractic CPT Codes. A Comprehensive Guide
Chiropractic care is a vital component of the healthcare system, offering non-invasive and holistic solutions to various musculoskeletal issues. For both patients and providers, understanding the Common Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes used in chiropractic care is essential. These codes serve as a universal language that simplifies billing, streamlines insurance claims, and ensures transparency in healthcare services. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the common chiropractic CPT codes, shedding light on their significance and how they benefit patients and practitioners alike.
CPT Code Basics
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand the basics of CPT codes and their role in chiropractic care.
CPT codes, or Current Procedural Terminology codes, were developed by the American Medical Association (AMA) to describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services accurately. These codes serve as a common language for healthcare providers, payers, and regulators to communicate about services rendered.
In chiropractic care, CPT codes are used to describe the services provided during a patient’s visit. They help in:
Accurate Billing: Properly coded services ensure that patients are billed correctly for the care they receive, preventing overbilling or underbilling.
Insurance Claims: Insurance companies rely on CPT codes to process claims efficiently. Accurate coding reduces the chances of claims being denied or delayed.
Documentation: CPT codes serve as documentation of the care provided, helping practitioners keep accurate records of patient visits and treatments.
Evaluation and Management (E/M) Codes
Evaluation and Management (E/M) codes play a crucial role in chiropractic care, as they describe the evaluation and assessment of a patient’s condition and the development of a care plan. Some common E/M codes in chiropractic care include:
99201-99205: These codes describe the level of complexity involved in a new patient’s initial examination.
99211-99215: Used for established patient visits, these codes indicate the complexity of follow-up examinations.
Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment (CMT) Codes
Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment (CMT) codes, also known as spinal manipulation codes, represent the core of chiropractic care. They describe the manual adjustments made by chiropractors to alleviate pain and improve mobility. Here are some common CMT codes:
98940: This code is used for spinal manipulations involving one to two regions of the spine.
98941: When three to four regions of the spine are manipulated during a single visit, this code is applied.
98942: For extensive spinal manipulation involving five or more regions, chiropractors use this code.
98943: This code is used for extraspinal manipulation, which involves adjusting joints other than those in the spine. Chiropractors may use this code when performing manipulative treatments on joints like the shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee.
98944: When a chiropractor provides spinal and extraspinal manipulation during the same patient visit, this code is used to accurately document the services rendered.
98945: This code is used for chiropractic manipulative treatment involving the sacroiliac joint. The sacroiliac joint is located at the base of the spine and can be a source of pain and discomfort for some patients.
98946: Similar to the previous code, 98946 is used for chiropractic manipulative treatment, but it specifically addresses the extremities, such as the arms, legs, hands, or feet. Chiropractors may use this code when adjusting joints in these areas.
98947: This code is used for chiropractic manipulative treatment involving the cervical region of the spine. It specifically focuses on adjustments made to the neck area.
98948: If a chiropractor performs a chiropractic manipulative treatment involving the thoracic region of the spine, they would use this code to describe the service provided.
Therapeutic Procedure Codes
Chiropractors often employ therapeutic procedures to complement spinal adjustments and aid in a patient’s recovery. Some of the therapeutic procedure codes include:
97110: Describes therapeutic exercise exercises aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and endurance.
97112: Used for neuromuscular re-education, which focuses on improving balance, coordination, and posture.
97140: This code covers manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy.
Radiology Codes
Radiological examinations are occasionally necessary to assess a patient’s condition and determine the most appropriate treatment. Chiropractors may use radiology codes such as:
72040: Used for spine X-rays, typically for initial diagnostic purposes.
72020: Describes the use of spinal fluoroscopy, a real-time imaging technique used during certain procedures.
Other Common Chiropractic CPT Codes
Apart from the categories mentioned above, there are several other CPT codes that chiropractors frequently use, depending on the specific services rendered. Some examples include:
97750: This code represents the performance of physical performance tests and measurements.
98943: Used when extremity (non-spinal) joint manipulation is performed.
98925-98929: These codes describe the use of chiropractic manipulative therapy for extremities.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care plays a vital role in promoting musculoskeletal health and overall well-being. Understanding the common chiropractic CPT codes is crucial for both patients and practitioners. These codes facilitate accurate billing, efficient insurance claims processing, and proper documentation of care.
As a patient, being aware of these codes empowers you to better understand your treatment plan and associated costs. For chiropractors, mastering the appropriate use of internal medicine CPT codes ensures ethical and transparent practice while enhancing the quality of patient care.
In summary, internal medicine CPT codes 2023 are the backbone of chiropractic care, allowing for effective communication, billing, and documentation. By unraveling the mysteries surrounding these codes, we hope to empower both patients and chiropractors in their journey toward improved health and well-being.