What is CPT: CPT or Current Procedural Terminology is the Coding system that offers chiropractors across the country a uniform process for coding medical services that streamlines reporting and increases accuracy and efficiency.
CPT and Digital Coding: This CPT section of Digital Coding contains four specific CPT code sections relevant to chiropractic services. The four sections are: chiropractic manipulation; evaluation and management; physical medicine & rehabilitation; and x-ray. Each code not only has its full description, but specific details on its definition and documentation requirements. Standard publications generally do not contain this detail and a provider has no reference to assess the correct code to use for their specific service. This section is intended to aid a provider with a greater amount of detail and definition for each code to help identify the proper code for services rendered.
Expert TIP: Often a provider may not be aware of the nuances between services such as 97110 therapeutic exercise and 97112 neuromuscular reeducation and incorrectly identify their services. Per CPT guidelines a provider is to select the coding or service that accurately identifies the service performed. Do not select a code that merely approximates the service provided. When no such specific code exists, the code to report would be and unlisted procedure or service code.
Evaluation and Management Codes
CPT Code
Description
New Patient
A new patient is one who has not received any professional services from the physician/qualified health care professional or another physician/qualified health care professional of the exact same specialty and subspecialty who belongs to the same group practice, within the past three years.
An established patient is one who has received professional services from the physician/qualified health care professional or another physician/qualified health care professional of the exact same specialty and subspecialty who belongs to the same group practice, within the past three years.
