Therapeutic exercises
What CPT 97110 covers
CPT 97110 covers therapeutic exercises to develop strength, endurance, range of motion, and flexibility. It is a timed code billed in 15-minute units.
Timed codes follow the 8-minute rule for Medicare-style billing: 8–22 minutes = 1 unit, 23–37 = 2 units, and so on.
Using 97110 on superbills
- Pediatric examples: strengthening programs, postural endurance work, ROM activities.
- On superbills, show units per date of service (e.g., 97110 × 2) with your per-unit or per-session fee.
- Distinguish from 97530 (functional, activity-based) — pick the code matching the intervention's character.
Documentation that supports it
- Total timed minutes per code and what was performed
- Skilled rationale — why a therapist (not a home program alone) was required
Common ICD-10 pairings
Examples seen in pediatric practice — always code the diagnosis that fits the client.
M62.81R27.8G80.9
FAQ
How does the 8-minute rule work for 97110?
Add total timed minutes for the code: 8–22 minutes bills 1 unit, 23–37 bills 2, 38–52 bills 3. Commercial payers may use midpoint or per-service rules instead — superbills should reflect what you actually delivered.
97110 vs 97530 — which one?
97110 targets specific parameters (strength, ROM, endurance) with exercises; 97530 uses dynamic functional activities to improve functional performance. Use whichever matches the session's dominant character.
Related codes
Educational reference only — not billing, coding, or legal advice. CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Verify current code definitions and payer policies before billing.