CPT® code 98940 is used to report chiropractic manipulative treatment (CMT) applied to the spinal regions involving one or two regions. This procedure is commonly provided by chiropractors and some integrative medicine providers to address musculoskeletal conditions and improve spinal function.
What is CPT Code 98940?
CPT 98940 describes a manual therapy technique performed by a chiropractor or qualified healthcare professional aimed at correcting spinal joint dysfunction. This treatment typically involves:
- Hands-on manipulation or adjustment of spinal vertebrae in one or two specified regions
- Techniques designed to restore joint mobility, alleviate pain, and improve nerve function
- Care tailored to conditions such as back pain, neck pain, sciatica, and other neuromusculoskeletal disorders
Commonly treated spinal regions include the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, or pelvic areas.
When to Use CPT Code 98940
Use CPT 98940 to report chiropractic manipulative treatment when one or two spinal regions are treated during a single session.
Indications for CMT may include:
- Acute or chronic back or neck pain
- Restricted spinal mobility or joint dysfunction
- Postural imbalances or injury-related pain
- Headaches originating from cervical spine issues
Proper documentation should include:
- The specific spinal regions treated
- Description of the manipulative technique applied
- Patient’s diagnosis and clinical findings supporting the use of CMT
- Response to treatment and plan for future sessions
Coding Considerations
- Different codes (98941, 98942) apply when treating three or more spinal regions.
- CMT codes are time-based and quantity depends on the number of regions addressed, not the number of manipulations.
- Documentation must demonstrate medical necessity and support the number of regions billed.
- CMT is usually billed separately from evaluation and management services unless bundled by the payer.
CPT 98940 and Musculoskeletal Care
Chiropractic manipulative treatment plays a significant role in non-invasive musculoskeletal care. Many patients seek CMT for pain relief and functional improvement without surgery or medications.
Insurance coverage varies widely; payers often require detailed documentation of symptoms, examination findings, and prior conservative treatment attempts.
Enhance Chiropractic Practice Management with OptiMantra
OptiMantra supports chiropractic and integrative clinics offering manipulative treatments by:
- Providing customizable templates for documenting CMT sessions by spinal region
- Capturing detailed procedure notes and billing codes to ensure accurate claims
- Tracking patient progress and treatment plans over time
- Integrating superbills with CPT 98940 and related codes for seamless insurance submissions
- Offering scheduling and follow-up reminders tailored for chiropractic care
With OptiMantra, chiropractors can streamline documentation, improve coding accuracy, and maximize reimbursement—while focusing on delivering effective spinal care.
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