CPT code 97112 is a procedural code used in medical billing to describe neuromuscular reeducation therapy. This type of therapy is commonly performed by physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other rehabilitation professionals to help patients regain normal movement patterns and improve neuromuscular function following injury, illness, or neurological conditions.
Understanding CPT 97112 is essential for accurate documentation, proper billing, and ensuring providers are reimbursed for delivering this specialized care.
Official CPT Code 97112 Description
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), the official description of CPT code 97112 is:
“Neuromuscular reeducation of movement, balance, coordination, kinesthetic sense, posture, and proprioception for sitting and/or standing activities.”
This code is billed in 15-minute units and must be based on direct, one-on-one contact with the patient.
What Does Neuromuscular Reeducation Involve?
Neuromuscular reeducation is a specialized therapy designed to restore normal neuromuscular function. It focuses on training the nervous system and muscles to work together more effectively. Common goals include improving:
- Balance
- Coordination
- Posture
- Proprioception (the body’s ability to sense movement, action, and location)
- Kinesthetic awareness (understanding how the body moves in space)
When Is CPT 97112 Used?
CPT 97112 is typically used when treating patients with neurological, orthopedic, or musculoskeletal impairments. Conditions that may require neuromuscular reeducation include:
- Stroke or brain injury recovery
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Peripheral nerve injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Chronic pain or postural dysfunction
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Balance disorders or frequent falls
Therapists may use a variety of techniques and tools during sessions, such as:
- Balance boards
- Stability exercises
- Gait training
- Core activation drills
- Functional movement retraining
Billing and Documentation Tips for CPT 97112
To bill CPT code 97112 properly:
- The treatment must involve direct one-on-one patient contact.
- Sessions must be at least 15 minutes per unit billed.
- Documentation should clearly support the medical necessity of neuromuscular reeducation.
- Include objective findings (e.g., impaired balance, coordination deficits) and functional goals.
- Record the type of intervention, patient response, and progress toward goals.
97112 vs. Other Common Therapy Codes
It’s important to distinguish CPT 97112 from other frequently used therapy codes:
| CPT Code | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 97110 | Therapeutic exercise | Improving strength, endurance, flexibility, and ROM |
| 97112 | Neuromuscular reeducation | Improving balance, coordination, posture, proprioception |
| 97530 | Therapeutic activities | Functional activities (e.g., transfers, lifting) to improve daily living tasks |
| 97116 | Gait training therapy | Training to improve walking and mobility |
Using the correct code ensures proper reimbursement and avoids denials or audits.
Common Clinical Scenarios for CPT 97112
Here are a few examples of when 97112 would be the appropriate code:
- A stroke patient receiving balance and posture training to prevent falls.
- A post-ACL surgery patient retraining neuromuscular control of the knee.
- A Parkinson’s patient working on gait and proprioceptive exercises to reduce shuffling.
- A patient with chronic low back pain undergoing posture correction and core activation therapy.
Final Thoughts
CPT code 97112 plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process, especially for patients with impaired motor control, balance, or coordination. Proper understanding and application of this code help ensure that healthcare providers are appropriately compensated for their expertise and that patients receive the targeted neuromuscular care they need to recover function and improve quality of life.