Understanding CPT 97110 is essential for accurate billing and proper reimbursement. This code describes therapeutic exercises provided with direct, one-on-one contact, designed to improve strength, endurance, range of motion, and flexibility.
Examples of When 97110 Is Appropriate
- Address join stiffness or decreased ROM after injury
- Range-of-motion stretching for post-surgical patients
- Core stabilization drills for back pain
What Your Documentation Must Include
Because 97110 is a cornerstone code in physical therapy—and heavily scrutinized—your notes must clearly demonstrate the work performed and why it was medically necessary. Be sure to document:
- Type of Exercise
Describe each exercise (e.g., seated leg raises, planks, resistance band rows). - Body Parts Addressed
Identify targeted muscle groups or joints. - Purpose/Functional Goal
Example: improving ROM to support gait or increasing strength for lifting tolerance. - Progress Metrics
Include objective data such as reps, resistance level, duration, strength grading, or degrees of motion. - Time Spent
Document minutes for each exercise and total time. - Medical Necessity
Explain how the exercises relate to the patient’s functional deficits or impairments.
Example Note for a Chronic Low Back Pain Patient
“Pt performed planks and bird-dog exercises for 15 minutes to improve trunk stability and reduce low-back pain. Pt required minimal assistance to maintain neutral spine alignment and progressed hold times from 15s to 25s for 3 reps. Goal: improve sitting and standing tolerance for daily activities, currently limited due to pain.”
Final Reminder
Using strong documentation practices ensures:
- You clearly show the therapeutic work performed
- You demonstrate patient progress
- You establish medical necessity
- You get paid for the services you deliver
Properly documented 97110 not only supports reimbursement—it reflects the real, measurable value of the care you provide.