CPT Code 97112: Neuromuscular Reeducation

What is neuromuscular reeducation (CPT 97112)?

CPT 97112 refers to a therapeutic procedure, 1 or more areas, each 15 minutes; neuromuscular reeducation of movement, balance, coordination, kinesthetic sense, posture, and/or proprioception for sitting and/or standing activities. It’s most often used in physical therapy for patients recovering from neurological conditions, injuries, or surgeries that impact balance and motor function. Skilled therapy interventions are provided one-on-one by a licensed physical or occupational therapist. The goal is to enhance motor control and restore the body's ability to move with purpose and stability.

Therapists may use balance exercises, kinesthetic training, and techniques like proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) to stimulate the neuromuscular system. This therapy is essential in helping patients regain control of their movements and build confidence in daily tasks. Sessions are typically billed in 15-minute increments, tailored to the individual’s progress and treatment goals. Neuromuscular reeducation supports better treatment outcomes and greater functional independence.

CPT code 97112 documentation requirements

To bill CPT code 97112 accurately and ensure payment, healthcare professionals must provide comprehensive documentation that clearly supports medical necessity. Below are the key documents and details that should be included:

• A description of the skilled nature of the intervention, why it requires a licensed therapist, and the specific neuromuscular deficits addressed (e.g., balance, proprioception).
• Clear explanation of short- and long-term goals related to improving motor function and functional independence.
• Specific body parts treated, exercises performed, and how each exercise relates to the patient's functional goals.
• Document exercise volume including sets, repetitions, resistance levels, and duration to reflect treatment intensity.
• Clearly document both "Timed Code Treatment Minutes" and "Total Treatment Time" in order to justify the units billed.
• Assessment of patient response and functional improvements or changes.
• Plan for subsequent sessions, including any modifications based on patient progress.

Thorough and proper documentation maximizes reimbursement, ensures continuity of care, and validates the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

CPT code 97112 billing guidelines

When billing CPT 97112, consider the following:

• Bill CPT 97112 in 15-minute increments, documenting each increment clearly. No more than four units per code, per discipline, should be billed in a single day; any units beyond this limit will be denied. Justify medical necessity clearly in documentation, especially when multiple sessions are billed.
• Documentation must reflect the skilled nature of the therapy, distinguishing it from general conditioning or exercise. Do not bill this code for general therapeutic exercise, strengthening, or conditioning; use CPT 97110 instead.
• Only the time spent actively delivering skilled therapy modalities and procedures should be counted as “Timed Code Treatment Minutes” in the documentation; time spent on pre- or post-treatment activities should not be included.
• Know the difference between terms. "Timed Code Treatment Minutes" refer only to the minutes spent providing billable, one-on-one skilled therapy services that fall under timed CPT codes (e.g., 97112), and are used to determine how many units can be billed. "Total Treatment Time" includes both the timed code minutes and any additional non-billable or untimed services (like setup, rest periods, or supervised exercises), and helps provide context for the full session but does not directly determine the units billed.

Other relevant CPT codes for physical or occupational therapy

• 97110: Therapeutic procedure, 1 or more areas, each 15 minutes; therapeutic exercises to develop strength and endurance, range of motion, and flexibility
• 9711: Therapeutic procedure. 1 or more areas, each 15 minutes; aquatic therapy with therapeutic exercises
• 97116: Therapeutic procedure, 1 or more areas, each 15 minutes; gait training (includes stair climbing)
• 97140: Manual therapy techniques (e.g. mobilization/manipulation, manual lympathic drainage, manual traction), 1 or more regions, each 15v minutes
• 97530: Therapeutic activities, direct (one-on-one) patient contact (use of dynamic activities to improve functional performance); each 15 minutes