Important Chiropractic CPT Codes to know

Last Updated on September 16, 2025 by admin

Behind every adjustment or therapy session in your practice, there’s one thing that keeps the revenue cycle running smoothly: accurate chiropractic CPT codes. You might deliver the best adjustments in town, but if your coding isn’t spot-on, denials, delays, and revenue leaks can follow fast.

For chiropractors and their billing teams, CPT coding isn’t just paperwork, it’s the foundation of getting paid correctly for the work you do every day. The good news? Once you know which chiropractic codes apply, how to document them clearly, and how to keep up with payer rules, you can avoid unnecessary headaches and keep your cash flow steady.

This article breaks down what makes chiropractic coding unique, the core codes you’ll use most often, and simple ways to tighten up your documentation and claim accuracy, so you spend less time chasing payments and more time focusing on your patients.

What Are Chiropractic CPT Codes?

CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology, a universal language for describing medical, surgical, and diagnostic services. Chiropractors use chiropractic codes to report the specific spinal manipulations, manual therapies, and therapeutic procedures they perform.

When a provider sends a claim to an insurance company, these CPT codes explain what was done and how complex the services were. Accurate coding means insurance payers can process claims quickly and reimburse providers fairly.

Poor coding, on the other hand, can lead to payment delays, rejected claims, or even compliance audits. That’s why chiropractors and their teams pay close attention to each code they submit.

Real Impact of Proper Chiropractic Coding

Precise chiropractic CPT coding matters for everyone involved:

• Chiropractors depend on timely and accurate payments. Small coding errors can create major revenue gaps.
• Patients want to understand what they’re being billed for. Clear chiropractic codes make EOBs and statements easier to read and verify.
• Insurance payers rely on codes to determine what’s covered, what’s medically necessary, and how much to pay.

By keeping chiropractic codes accurate, providers avoid underpayments, reduce the risk of audits, and build trust with patients and payers alike.

Common Chiropractic CPT Codes

Let’s look at some frequently used chiropractic CPT codes and what they represent. These codes help describe spinal manipulative treatments as well as other services often provided in chiropractic offices.

Spinal Manipulative Treatment (CMT):

• 98940: Adjustment of 1-2 spinal regions
• 98941: Adjustment of 3-4 spinal regions
• 98942: Adjustment of 5 spinal regions
• 98943: Manipulative treatment of an extraspinal region (e.g., shoulders, hips, or extremities)
  

Therapies and Modalities:

• 97110: Therapeutic exercises, used to develop strength and endurance
• 97112: Neuromuscular re-education, often for balance and coordination
• 97140: Manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release or trigger point work
• 97010: Application of hot or cold packs
• 97012: Mechanical traction therapy
• 97035: Ultrasound therapy

Each of these codes represents a different aspect of care. Insurance carriers use them to determine whether the services meet medical necessity and fall under the patient’s benefits plan.

Real-World Example

Picture a patient with chronic neck and lower back pain. After a detailed exam, the chiropractor adjusts four spinal regions, applies ultrasound therapy to reduce inflammation, and works through targeted exercises to strengthen weak muscle groups.

In this situation, the CPT Codes on the claim may include:

• 98941 for the CMT involving 3-4 regions
• 97035 for ultrasound therapy
• 97110 for the therapeutic exercises
  

Each procedure must be clearly documented in the patient’s record. This includes the patient’s symptoms, the specific spinal regions adjusted, time spent on each therapy, and the patient’s progress.

Staying Accurate with Chiropractic Codes

While chiropractic coding is straightforward on the surface, it requires attention to detail to avoid common mistakes. Here are some reminders for chiropractors and billing staff:

• Keep notes specific. Each patient visit should have unique documentation. Include exam findings, spinal regions treated, and measurable progress.
• Check insurance requirements. Different payers have different rules for what’s covered. For example, Medicare only pays for active corrective treatment, not maintenance care.
• Apply modifiers when appropriate. Modifiers add extra information to a code. For example, some visits might need a -25 modifier if an evaluation and management service is performed on the same day as an adjustment.
• Stay current. CPT codes and payer rules can change every year. Using outdated codes can lead to denials or payment delays.
• Train the team. Everyone in the practice, from the front desk to the biller, should know the basics of chiropractic codes to catch potential errors early.

Mistakes to Watch Out

Even seasoned providers make errors with chiropractic CPT Codes. A few pitfalls to watch out for include:

• Coding for services not performed. This can happen by accident if notes are vague or if templates are overused.
• Coding too low or too high. Coding for fewer spinal regions than treated leaves money on the table, while inflating complexity can trigger red flags with payers.
• Omitting needed modifiers. Missing a required modifier can make the difference between a paid claim and a denial.
• Confusing bundled and separate services. Some therapies are considered part of the CMT and can’t be billed separately unless certain criteria are met.

It is all about putting a consistent focus when it comes to getting the chiropractic CPT Code right.A well-managed practice often includes routine internal claim reviews, feedback for providers, and regular updates on payer policies.Over time, this attention to detail reduces the number of denied claims and shortens the time it takes to get paid. It also ensures patients get straightforward, accurate bills, something everyone appreciates in today’s complex healthcare system.