Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes are a standardized, five-digit system used across the United States healthcare system to identify and report medical services. Developed and maintained by the American Medical Association, these codes create a universal language for documentation and billing. Providers use them to communicate precisely what services were delivered to a patient, allowing for accurate processing of claims and appropriate reimbursement.
Understanding CPT Code 971
The CPT code series beginning with 971 is designated for therapeutic procedures primarily utilized in rehabilitation settings by physical and occupational therapists. This range of codes signifies active treatments requiring direct, one-on-one interaction between the patient and the licensed provider. These procedures are categorized as timed codes, meaning they are billed based on the duration of the service provided.
Each unit of service billed under the 971 series represents 15 minutes of constant attendance with the patient. The practitioner must be physically present and actively guiding the patient through the intervention for the entire time claimed. This structure ensures that reimbursement reflects the skilled, individualized attention necessary for restoring function.
Common Procedures Covered
The 971 code category encompasses several distinct types of hands-on treatments that form the core of rehabilitation plans.
CPT 97110: Therapeutic Exercises
One of the most frequently used codes is CPT 97110, which represents therapeutic exercises prescribed to improve a patient’s physical capacity. These exercises are specific movements aimed at developing muscular strength, increasing endurance, or restoring a normal range of motion and flexibility. For instance, a patient recovering from a knee injury might perform specific resistance training or stretching routines to regain full mobility.
CPT 97140: Manual Therapy Techniques
CPT 97140 covers manual therapy techniques, distinguishing it from exercise by its hands-on, passive nature. This includes skilled procedures like joint mobilization, manipulation, and manual traction applied to soft tissues and joints. The practitioner uses their hands to assess and treat joint stiffness, reduce muscle tension, and improve the mechanical function of the musculoskeletal system.
CPT 97112: Neuromuscular Re-education
CPT 97112 is applied when the provider works to re-train the patient’s movement patterns, balance, or coordination. This intervention focuses on restoring the communication between the nervous system and the muscles to correct faulty posture or movement.
CPT 97150: Therapeutic Activities
The category also includes CPT 97150 for therapeutic activities, which are dynamic activities designed to improve functional performance. This intervention involves the use of movement to achieve a specific goal, such as practicing bending, lifting, or reaching to mimic tasks required in daily life. Each of these procedures requires a clear, documented connection to a functional goal to demonstrate its medical necessity.
The Purpose of Therapeutic Intervention
The overarching goal of the therapeutic procedures billed under the 971 code series is the restoration of optimal function and mobility. These interventions alleviate symptoms and address the underlying causes of physical impairment. By improving strength, flexibility, and coordination, practitioners help patients regain independence in their daily lives.
These services are frequently utilized following medical events, including post-surgical recovery, acute sports injuries, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. For example, a patient with chronic low back pain or a recent joint replacement receives these procedures to reduce discomfort and enhance physical capacity. The measured outcome is the patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living without limitation or pain.
The skilled, hands-on nature of the 971 services manages complex physical dysfunctions that the patient cannot resolve alone. The constant attendance required ensures the practitioner can continually assess the patient’s response and modify the intervention in real-time for maximum effectiveness. Ultimately, the CPT 971 range delivers targeted, restorative care aimed at improving a patient’s long-term physical well-being.