December 1996 page 10b
Coding Consultation
Medicine, Physical Therapy Evaluation, 97999 (Q&A)
Question
What code should I use to report a physical therapy evaluation?
AMA Comment
There is no CPT code in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation section to describe the evaluation of a patient to determine the type of physical medicine treatment needed. An evaluation and management code may be used if the provider is a physician and if a history, examination, and medical decision making are performed, based on the guidelines in CPT. If the provider is not a physician, the third-party payor should be contacted...
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Note: The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.
Article Overview
This short AMA CPT Assistant Q&A explains the general coding context for physical therapy evaluation services and the considerations discussed for reporting them in 1996. It is relevant for coders, billers, and compliance staff who need to understand the historical guidance, the code sets referenced, and the role of payer policy in choosing among available reporting options.
Why This Topic Matters
The article helps readers identify the coding framework that was being discussed for physical therapy evaluation services and understand the need to check payer policy when physician and non-physician services are involved. It is useful as historical reference material for anyone researching CPT guidance or legacy documentation practices.
What You Will Learn
The coding context discussed for physical therapy evaluation services
How the article frames the relationship between evaluation services and broader CPT guidance
Why payer policy is part of the discussion for non-physician reporting
What documentation considerations are mentioned for unlisted service reporting
Who Should Read This
Medical coders
Billing specialists
Compliance professionals
Physical medicine and rehabilitation practices
Healthcare administrators
Codes Discussed
CPT: 97999
CPT: 97799
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