Download Infographic Sample Timed Coding Scenarios  

Total Billable Units In order to seek reimbursement for a unit of service for a constant attendance modality or a therapeutic procedure, the provider must spend at least eight minutes (just past the halfway point of 15 minutes) providing that service to the patient. According to CMS (Medicare) guidelines[1], if the service is performed for…

Timed Coding Rules CMS and the AMA have developed guidelines concerning timed treatment codes. There is often confusion around timed coding rules because the AMA Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding guidelines and descriptions include the language, “each 15 minutes.” Several years ago, CMS clarified a process known as the “8-minute Timed Coding Rule.” Only recently…

It can be a challenge to navigate the world of timed codes. The first step is to have a solid understanding of the different types of procedure codes such as supervised modalities, constant attendance modalities and therapeutic procedures. This tutorial provides a nice simple breakdown of each of the levels of service.

Guidance on CPT Code 97010 Code 97010 is a code that is often misused and overbilled. The most common reason is that it is difficult to establish and prove medical necessity for this service and, very often, the documentation does not include appropriate rationale for using this code. Below you will find what the American…

An Overview of Passive Therapy Modalities Passive therapies offered by chiropractic offices are included in treatment plans to combat acute and sub-acute conditions. These modalities may help relieve pain, reduce muscle spasms, resolve myofascial adhesions, and trigger points, and offer many other treatment benefits. Heat/Ice therapy (97010) Application of heat, via heat packs, aids in…