Chiropractic Coding & Compliance Alert
Can We Code Massage with 97112?
PDF
Question: We usually submit 97124 for massage, but we were told to use 97112 instead. Is this a correct code?
South Carolina Subscriber
Answer: The CPT® code 97124 stands for “Therapeutic procedure, 1 or more areas, each 15 minutes; massage, including effleurage, petrissage and/or tapotement (stroking, compression, percussion.” So, submitting 97124 for massage is the right thing to do.
On the other hand, 97112 stands for “Therapeutic procedure, 1 or more areas, each 15 minutes; neuromuscular reeducation of movement, balance, coordination, kinesthetic sense, posture, and/or proprioception for sitting and/or standing activities.” Code 97112 is also defined as an “active” therapy which means the patient must be actively and physically participating in the therapy. As you are aware, massage is a “passive” therapy in which the therapy is being provided to the patient rather than the patient physically participating.
Remember: The rule of coding requires that the code selected must be the one that most accurately describe the service being provided.
Related Articles
Chiropractic Coding & Compliance Alert
- Compliance/Reimbursement:
Take Aim at Modifiers and Myths of Advanced Beneficiary Notices
Solve your ABN dilemmas with these 4 tips. Are you one amongst those who often [...] - Auditing:
Brace Yourself as Noridian Medicare Proposes to Audit 98941 Claims
Use these strategies to wade through tough payer scrutiny If you’ve noticed an increase in [...] - ICD-10 Update:
Tune in Your Radar to This CMS Advice
Heed these 12 facts that CMS wants you to know about ICD-10. The clock is [...] - You Be the Coder:
Can We Code Massage with 97112?
Question: We usually submit 97124 for massage, but we were told to use 97112 instead. Is [...] - Reader Questions:
Determining Which Payer Provides for Co-payment
Question: When we have a patient with both a primary and a secondary insurance, which one [...] - Reader Questions:
Where to Look for LCDs for ICD-10
Question: Where can we find the Medicare LCDs for ICD-10? Iowa Subscriber Answer: Medicare contractors have already [...] - Reader Questions:
Use Modifier 25 for Distinct Services
Question: The DC evaluates a new patient and performs chiropractic manipulative treatment in the same visit. [...] - Reader Questions:
When Patient Doesn't Understand ABN
Question: We have a patient who was put under maintenance therapy. She was given an ABN [...]