CPT Code 97112

CMS 2026 Update — CPT 97112

CPT 97112 (Neuromuscular re-education) keeps the same coding expectations in CY2026; CMS emphasizes measurable goals and skilled intervention notes.

What is CPT 97112?

CPT 97112 represents Neuromuscular Re-education — a therapeutic procedure aimed at improving movement, balance, coordination, kinesthetic sense, posture, and proprioception for patients with neuromuscular impairments.

Typical uses: This code is commonly used in physical therapy settings to address conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological disorders affecting motor function.

In short: CPT 97112 = Re-education of movement, balance, coordination.

When to Use CPT 97112 (and When Not To)

Use 97112 for therapeutic interventions that focus on improving neuromuscular function.

• Report when the therapy involves specific exercises to enhance motor control and coordination.
• Ensure documentation clearly reflects the skilled nature of the intervention.

Do not use for general physical therapy exercises that do not specifically target neuromuscular re-education.

Clinical Examples

• Stroke rehabilitation focusing on balance and coordination → 97112
• General strengthening exercises without a neuromuscular focus → 97110

97112 vs 97110 (Quick Comparison)

2025 Reimbursement Rates (Representative)

Documentation Guidelines (CMS & MIPS 2025 Compliant)

Thorough documentation demonstrates medical necessity, skilled care, and functional intent. Include:

1. Functional goal (e.g., “Patient will improve balance to prevent falls”).
2. Activity description — explicit tasks practiced, environment, and level of assistance.
3. Clinical rationale — why this activity addresses the patient’s deficit.
4. Time documentation — minutes per activity and total minutes (apply the 8-minute rule for units).
5. Patient response — tolerance, cues required, measurable progress.

Sample SOAP Note (De-identified)

S: Patient reports increased confidence in walking without assistance.
O: Patient completed 20 minutes of balance exercises with moderate assistance.
A: Improved stability noted, but further work needed on coordination.
P: Continue neuromuscular re-education focusing on dynamic balance tasks.
  

Modifiers & Coding Tips

Claim tip: Ensure documentation supports the use of modifiers to avoid denials.

Common Denials & How to Prevent Them

1. Lack of medical necessity — Fix: Provide detailed documentation of the patient's condition and the necessity for neuromuscular re-education.
2. Missing modifier — Fix: Use appropriate modifiers like -59 when billing multiple services.
3. Insufficient documentation — Fix: Ensure all therapy sessions are thoroughly documented, including patient progress and response.

Audit trigger: Repeated billing of 97112 without clear documentation of distinct services can trigger audits.

Region & Local Payer Notes

In Illinois, providers should be aware of the local MAC, Noridian Healthcare, which may have specific guidelines regarding the billing of CPT 97112. It's crucial to stay updated with any regional policies that could affect reimbursement rates or documentation requirements.

FAQs

When should I use 97112?

Use 97112 for skilled re-education of neuromuscular control, balance, and coordination tied to functional deficits.

How to show skilled service vs. exercise?

Highlight clinical decision-making, progression, and hands-on techniques that require professional skill.

Are there documentation best practices?

Keep objective baseline measures, detailed intervention descriptions, and patient responses.

Do payers audit 97112 often?

Payers may audit neuromuscular re-education for medical necessity and skilled service evidence.

Can 97112 be billed with group therapy?

Billing with group therapy depends on payer policy; document individual skilled time separately when required.

What are quick charting tips?

Use targeted templates capturing neuro deficits, techniques, minutes, and patient response.