CPT 97140Physical Therapy

Manual therapy 1/> regions

CPT code 97140 covers manual therapy techniques like joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, and manual stretching performed by a therapist to treat one or more body regions.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$27.17

This calculator gives a typical-case estimate using standard Medicare modifier rules. Actual payment depends on payer policies, documentation, code-specific CMS status indicators, and locality. Verify before billing.

RVU breakdown

Work RVU

0.43

PE RVU (NF)

0.4

MP RVU

0.01

Total RVU

0.84

Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High

NCCI bundling edits

Loading bundling edits…

Billing tips

Bill 97140 only once per session regardless of number of body regions treated or time spent, as this is a per-session code, not time-based
Impact: Prevents automatic denials for duplicate billing; billing multiple units results in approximately 90% denial rate on additional units beyond the first
Document specific techniques used (e.g., 'Grade III anterior-posterior glenohumeral mobilization' rather than 'manual therapy to shoulder') and specific body regions treated
Impact: Reduces audit risk by 60-70%; vague documentation like 'manual therapy performed' is the #1 reason for post-payment recoupment of the $27.17 reimbursement
Ensure manual therapy is performed in addition to, not instead of, therapeutic exercise or other skilled interventions to demonstrate medical necessity
Impact: Sessions with only 97140 and no other therapy codes face 40% higher denial rates; typical compliant session includes 97110, 97140, and one other modality
Verify state practice act allows billing of 97140 by therapy assistants (PTA/COTA) as some states require licensed therapist delivery for manual therapy
Impact: Prevents fraud allegations and recoupment; non-compliant assistant delivery can trigger full practice audits with potential liability exceeding $100,000 in recoupments
Do not bill 97140 on the same day as chiropractic manipulation codes (98940-98943) for the same body region without modifier 59 and distinct documentation
Impact: CCI edits bundle these services; without proper modifier, second code denies automatically, losing $27.17 per occurrence
Track Medicare therapy threshold amounts throughout the year; apply KX modifier proactively once patient approaches $2,230 combined PT/SLP threshold

Live Field Datano reports yet

Real billers contribute denial patterns and appeal strategies for this code. Once 5+ reports come in, you’ll see live aggregated data here — the only place this exists, free.

Working with CPT 97140?

Get the free Revenue Protection Toolkit — the denial triggers, modifier pitfalls, and bundling conflicts that quietly cost you reimbursement. Instant download.

Help build the field knowledge

MedPayIQ gets smarter as billers contribute. If you've had this code denied, share what happened so others learn from it. Anonymous, no patient info.

Related actions

Frequently asked questions

How many units of CPT 97140 can I bill per session?

Only one unit of 97140 should be billed per treatment session, regardless of how many body regions are treated or how much time is spent on manual therapy. This is a per-session code, not a time-based or per-region code. Billing multiple units almost always results in denial of additional units.

What is the Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT 97140 in 2025?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 97140 is $27.17 for both facility and non-facility settings. This is based on 0.84 total RVUs multiplied by the 2025 conversion factor of 32.3465. Actual payment may vary based on geographic locality adjustments.

Can I bill 97140 with therapeutic exercise (97110) on the same day?

Yes, 97140 and 97110 can be billed together on the same date of service as they are not bundled by CCI edits. This is actually a common and appropriate pairing, as manual therapy often complements therapeutic exercise. Ensure documentation clearly describes both distinct services and their separate therapeutic purposes.

What documentation is required to support billing CPT 97140?

Documentation must include specific manual therapy techniques performed (e.g., 'Grade III posterior-anterior mobilization' not just 'joint mobs'), exact body regions treated with anatomical specificity, clinical reasoning for technique selection, and patient response. Vague documentation like 'manual therapy performed' is insufficient and frequently results in denials or audit recoupment.

Is CPT 97140 a timed code or per-service code?

CPT 97140 is a per-service code, not a timed code. You bill one unit per treatment session regardless of whether you spend 5 minutes or 25 minutes on manual therapy. This differs from timed codes like 97110 or 97530 which require 15+ minutes per unit and follow the 8-minute rule.

Can physical therapy assistants perform and bill services under CPT 97140?

This varies by state practice act and payer policy. Some states allow PTAs to perform manual therapy under supervision, while others restrict it to licensed PTs only. Medicare allows PTAs to provide 97140 services under appropriate supervision in states where permitted, but always verify state licensure requirements and individual payer policies before billing.

What are the RVUs for CPT code 97140 in 2025?

The 2025 RVUs for 97140 are: Work RVU 0.43, Non-Facility PE RVU 0.40, Facility PE RVU 0.40, and Malpractice RVU 0.01, totaling 0.84 RVUs. These values are from the CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU25A file released December 23, 2024.