CPT 97110 is therapeutic exercise with a physical therapist, billed in 15-minute units: strength, range-of-motion and endurance work after an injury, surgery or for chronic pain. A typical physical therapy visit is billed as two to four units of this and related codes, so the price per unit is a building block, not the price of a visit.
What the price covers
One 15-minute unit of therapist time. A visit usually includes an evaluation code at the first appointment (97161 to 97163) and several timed codes (97110, 97140 manual therapy, 97530 therapeutic activities). Hospital-owned therapy clinics may add a facility fee.
Why prices vary
Hospital-owned physical therapy is often two to three times the price of independent clinics for the same session, mostly because of facility fees. Since a course of therapy runs to many visits, the difference adds up quickly. Many independent clinics offer cash-pay visit rates.
Questions to ask
- What is the self-pay price per unit of 97110, and per typical visit?
- Is there a facility fee?
- What is the cash rate per visit at an independent clinic?