CPT Code 98941: Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment; Spinal, 3-4 Regions

This quick reference guide to CPT code 97010 answers frequently asked questions from our community of chiropractors. You can see the complete library of CPT codes here, courtesy of ChiroTouch, the cloud-based EHR designed specifically for chiropractors. 

About CPT Code 98941: Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment (CMT); Spinal, 3-4 Regions

CPT code 98941 is used to report the performance of chiropractic manipulative treatment (CMT) on three to four spinal regions. CMT is a hands-on therapy that is used to adjust the spine and improve spinal function.

When Should Chiropractors Use This Code?

Chiropractors should use CPT code 98941 to report the performance of CMT on three to four spinal regions. This code can be used to bill for services such as:

• Adjusting the spine to correct misalignments
• Reducing pain and inflammation
• Improving range of motion
• Increasing flexibility
• Improving overall health and well-being

When Should Chiropractors Not Use This Code?

• Chiropractors should not use CPT code 98941 to report the performance of CMT on more than four spinal regions.
• This code should not be used to report the performance of CMT on non-spinal regions, such as the neck, shoulders, or hips.
• The code can only be used to report the initial treatment of a subluxation. If the patient has already received treatment for the subluxation, the code cannot be used.

• The code can only be used to report treatment of three to four spinal regions. If the patient has more than four spinal regions that need to be treated, the code cannot be used.

What is the Billing Interval for CPT Code 98941?

CPT code 98941 is billed per unit. A unit is defined as the performance of CMT on one spinal region.

What Are All of the Modifier Codes That Can be Used with CPT code 98941 and Their Descriptions?

The following modifier codes can be used with CPT code 98941:

• -25 – Reduced services
• -52 – Reduced procedural service
• -59 – Distinct procedural service

What Are the Billing Guidelines and Documentation Requirements Specific to CPT Code  98941?

The following billing guidelines and documentation requirements apply to CPT code 98941:

• The service must be performed by a chiropractor or other qualified provider.
• The service must be documented in the patient’s medical record.
• The documentation must include the following:
  • The date and time of the service
  • The region(s) of the spine that were treated
  • The type of CMT that was performed
  • The patient’s response to the treatment

Are There Specific Billing Guidelines that Apply to This CPT Code When It’s Used in Combination With Other Services?

Yes, there are specific billing guidelines that apply to CPT code 98941 when it is used in combination with other services. These guidelines are as follows:

• The AT modifier must be used when billing CPT code 98941. The AT modifier indicates that the service is being provided for acute or chronic subluxation.
• The service must be provided by a qualified chiropractor. A qualified chiropractor is one who has completed a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from an accredited chiropractic college and is licensed to practice chiropractic in the state where the service is being provided.

What Are Examples of ICD-10-CM Codes Often Used With CPT Code 98941?

The following ICD-10-CM codes are codes often used with CPT code 98941:

• M51.0 – Cervicothoracic intervertebral disc disorders
• M51.1 – Thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disorders
• M51.2 – Lumbar intervertebral disc disorders
• M51.3 – Sacroiliac joint disorders

What Are Common Mistakes Made Specific to This Code?

Some common mistakes made with CPT code 98941 include:

• Billing for more than four spinal regions
• Billing for CMT on non-spinal regions
• Failing to document the service in the patient’s medical record
• Failing to document the region(s) of the spine that were treated
• Failing to document the type of CMT that was performed
• Failing to document the patient’s response to the treatment

What Are Potential Audit Triggers Specific to CPT Code 98941 and How Can I Avoid Them?

Some potential audit triggers specific to CPT code 98941 include:

• Billing for more than four spinal regions
• Billing for CMT on non-spinal regions
• Failing to document the service in the patient’s medical record
• Failing to document the region(s) of the spine that were treated
• Failing to document the type of CMT that was performed
• Failing to document the patient’s response to the treatment

To avoid these audit triggers, it is important to ensure that the services provided are medically necessary and that they are provided by a qualified provider. It is also important to document the services provided thoroughly and accurately.

How Can I Improve the Accuracy and Efficiency of My Practice’s Billing and Coding Processes?

There are a number of steps that chiropractors can take to improve the accuracy and efficiency of their practice’s billing and coding processes. These include:

• Using a certified electronic health record (EHR) system
• Training staff on proper billing and coding procedures
• Regularly reviewing billing and coding records for accuracy
• Implementing a quality assurance program

ChiroTouch and CT Payments Simplify Chiropractic Billing and Coding

ChiroTouch is a comprehensive practice management software solution that can help chiropractic practices improve their billing and coding accuracy, reduce errors and claim rejections, and get paid faster.

CT Payments is a payment processing solution that integrates with ChiroTouch and offers a number of features that can assist chiropractic billers with coding, including the ability to:

• Accept payments from multiple sources: CT Payments allows practices to accept payments from a variety of sources, including According to ChiroTouch’s website, patients can pay for chiropractic services by phone, online, swipe or chip, Apple Pay®, AndroidPay™, or Google Pay™. This can make it easier for patients to pay for their services and for you to collect what’s owed.
• Automate payments: CT Payments can be used to automate payments for recurring services, such as monthly membership dues. This can save practices time and money.
• Generate reports: CT Payments can be used to generate reports on payments, charges, and other financial data. These reports can be used to track the practice’s financial performance and to identify areas where costs can be reduced.
• Integration with ChiroTouch: CT Payments works seamlessly with ChiroTouch’s EHR and practice management features. This integration allows practices to easily view and manage payments from an all-in-one dashboard within ChiroTouch.

To learn more about how ChiroTouch and CT Payments can help your practice improve accuracy, reduce errors and claim rejections, and get paid faster, schedule a demo today.