Overview
CPT® Code 97012 is used to report mechanical traction therapy applied to one or more areas during a treatment session. Mechanical traction is a therapeutic modality that stretches and mobilizes joints and soft tissues, commonly used to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and support rehabilitation for musculoskeletal conditions.
This code represents the therapeutic application of traction itself. Evaluation, assessment, or concurrent therapies are documented and billed separately.
Key Facts About CPT® 97012
- Service type: Physical therapy modality—mechanical traction
- Provider type: Physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, or qualified healthcare professionals
- Medical services included: Yes—application of mechanical traction to 1 or more areas
- Common clinical indications:
- Cervical or lumbar spine pain
- Herniated discs or nerve root compression
- Muscle spasm and soft tissue tightness
- Postural dysfunction or spinal joint restrictions
- Body areas: Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions
When to Use CPT® 97012
CPT 97012 is appropriate when:
- Mechanical traction is applied as a therapeutic modality
- The treatment is medically necessary for pain relief, mobility improvement, or rehabilitation
- One or more anatomical areas are treated
Examples:
- Cervical traction for a patient with radiculopathy
- Lumbar mechanical traction for a patient with chronic low back pain
Documentation Requirements
To properly support CPT 97012 billing, documentation should include:
- Patient identifiers and date of service
- Body area(s) treated
- Traction type (mechanical) and duration of application
- Clinical indication for therapy
- Patient response and follow-up recommendations
Proper documentation ensures compliance, accurate reimbursement, and continuity of care.
Reimbursement and Coding Considerations
- CPT 97012 is typically covered by commercial insurers, Medicare, and Medicaid when medically necessary
- Report one unit per session unless multiple distinct areas are treated in separate sessions
- Combine with other therapy codes as allowed; follow payer-specific guidelines
- Modifier use may be required when billing multiple modalities on the same date
How OptiMantra Supports Mechanical Traction
OptiMantra’s integrated EMR and practice management platform streamlines physical therapy workflows, including CPT 97012:
With OptiMantra, providers can:
- Record traction sessions directly in the patient chart with structured templates
- Document body areas treated, duration, and patient response
- Track therapy progress over time with longitudinal reports
- Generate audit-ready billing codes for clean claims submission
- Integrate therapy documentation with broader care plans and E/M visits
By centralizing therapy documentation, tracking, and billing, OptiMantra ensures accuracy, compliance, and optimal reimbursement for mechanical traction services.
Try OptiMantra for free here!
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