Medicare Blog

how to bill kinesiotaping to medicare

by Prof. Marco Shields Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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If you need to bill an insurance carrier for taping, I recommend you use CPT code 97139 (unlisted therapeutic procedure) or CPT code 97799 (unlisted physical medicine/rehabilitation service or procedure). You can also bill HCPCS code A4450 per 18 sq. inches of tape (non waterproof) or A4452 per 18 sq. inches of tape (waterproof).

If you need to bill an insurance carrier for taping, I recommend you use CPT code 97139 (unlisted therapeutic procedure) or CPT code 97799 (unlisted physical medicine/rehabilitation service or procedure). You can also bill HCPCS code A4450 per 18 sq. inches of tape (non waterproof) or A4452 per 18 sq.Jan 24, 2017

Full Answer

What is the CPT code for stand alone taping?

You should consider stand-alone taping a non-payable service by most health plans. If you need to bill an insurance carrier for taping, I recommend you use CPT code 97139 (unlisted therapeutic procedure) or CPT code 97799 (unlisted physical medicine/rehabilitation service or procedure).

What is Kinesiology Tape and how is it used?

According to the AMA, “Kinesiology tape is a supply. Its application is included in the time spent in direct contact with a patient to provide either re-education of a muscle and movement or to stabilize one body area to enable improved strength or range of motion.

Is strapping code appropriate for taping a fracture?

However, if the purpose of the taping is immobilization, then the strapping codes may be appropriate as those codes describe the use of a strap or other reinforced material applied post-fracture or other injury to immobilize the joint. Marty Kotlar, DC, CPCO, CBCS is the President of Target Coding.

What is the CMS publication 100-03?

CMS Publication 100-03, Medicare National Coverage Decisions (NCD) Manual, (multiple sections): provides coverage information on several specific types of therapy services. See body of LCD for individual references. CMS Publication 100-04, Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 5: 10.2 Financial limitation for therapy services (therapy cap).

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Does Medicare cover kinesiology?

Kinesiology Tape is currently not covered by any Medicare plans. Without coverage, the average cash price of Kinesiology Tape may be as high as $22.64.

Is there a CPT code for Kinesio taping?

We accept 97112 for kinesio taping.

How do you bill for strapping?

To report Low back strapping, use 29799, Unlisted procedure, casting or strapping.

Does Medicare pay for strapping?

Medicare Benefits for Kinesio Tape Kinesio tape is a considered a supply, and Medicare benefits are not typically granted for supplies unless they are deemed medically necessary. In that case, Medicare Part B does cover some supplies under durable medical equipment benefit.

How do you bill for Kinesiotaping?

You should consider stand-alone taping a non-payable service by most health plans. If you need to bill an insurance carrier for taping, I recommend you use CPT code 97139 (unlisted therapeutic procedure) or CPT code 97799 (unlisted physical medicine/rehabilitation service or procedure).

Does 29540 need a modifier?

application of a low-Dye strapping (CPT 29540). under a physical therapy plan of care? these codes. the need for attaching a "GP" modifier.

What is considered strapping?

Strapping is used when the desired effect is to provide immobilization or restriction of movement. Strapping refers to the application of overlapping strips of tape or adhesive plaster to a body part to exert pressure on it and serve as a splint to hold a structure in place and reduce motion.

Is an Ace bandage considered strapping?

no, wrapping an Ace wrap on an ankle does not qualify for strapping. Its part of the E/M however depending on your contracts you may be able to use the 99070 for the supply of the ace.

How do you bill a cast application?

Since you are not providing restorative care and have referred the patient on, you can bill both for both the supplies used to make the splint as well as the application, using the following codes: Q4024, “Cast supplies, short arm splint, pediatric (0-10 years), fiberglass”

What is modifier 97 used for?

Modifier 97- Rehabilitative Services: When a service or procedure that may be either habilitative or rehabilitative in nature is provided for rehabilitative purposes, the physician or other qualified healthcare professional may add modifier 97- to the service or procedure code to indicate that the service or procedure ...

What is Medicare KX modifier?

The KX modifier, described in subsection D., is added to claim lines to indicate that the clinician attests that services at and above the therapy caps are medically necessary and justification is documented in the medical record.

What is a GY modifier used for?

The GY modifier must be used when physicians, practitioners, or suppliers want to indicate that the item or service is statutorily non-covered or is not a Medicare benefit.

What is kinesio taping?

On the other hand, kinesio taping, otherwise known as elastic therapeutic taping, is designed to increase circulation without limiting movement. It is supposed to support and stabilize muscles and joints while allowing full range of motion.

What is kinesiology tape?

Kinesiology is the science or study of human muscular movement. Kinesiology tape, sometimes referred to as kinesio tape, is aptly named since it is applied to the muscles. The brand name is KT Tape. The tape is generally a composite of adhesive, cotton and spandex. This composition facilitates the capacity for stretching and supporting joints, ...

What is strapping and taping?

There is a practice termed strapping, and some people mistakenly use the term interchangeably with taping. The purpose of strapping is to immobilize an area, most often used for dislocations, fractures, sprains and tendinitis. Adhesive plaster is laid in overlapping strips around the affected body part. On the other hand, kinesio taping, otherwise known as elastic therapeutic taping, is designed to increase circulation without limiting movement. It is supposed to support and stabilize muscles and joints while allowing full range of motion.

How to apply KT tape?

A video accessible on the kttape.com website offers tips for those who apply it on their own. Clean your skin, and check that it is dry and free from residue left by lotions, oils or skin treatments. Clean with rubbing alcohol to be sure. Before applying the tape to a joint, such as a knee or elbow, fully bend the area so that the tape does not come off when the joint is moved. To ensure the tape sticks, avoid stretching it when placing it on the skin. Steadily rubbing the product and making sure the edges are down should help the adhesive set. If preparing the tape as a prelude to a sport or rigorous activity, be sure to complete the application about 30 minutes in advance. The makers of KT Tape caution people undergoing cancer treatment against using the product because there is a risk it will interfere with the management of the disease.

What to do if you are not comfortable with tape?

If you are not comfortable putting the tape on yourself, have a medical professional do it for you to avoid doing more harm than good.

How far in advance should you apply KT tape?

If preparing the tape as a prelude to a sport or rigorous activity, be sure to complete the application about 30 minutes in advance. The makers of KT Tape caution people undergoing cancer treatment against using the product because there is a risk it will interfere with the management of the disease.

Is tape good for shin splints?

Benefits reported, though not all evidence-based, are reduction in swelling and pain, elevation of muscle function, increase in strength and improvement in range of motion. Although some of this may be anecdotal evidence, Runner’s World reports that the tape is widely popular among sports trainers, physical therapists and professional athletes who use it for shin splints, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, general muscle pain and swelling.

What is kinesiology tape?

According to the AMA, “Kinesiology tape is a supply. Its application is included in the time spent in direct contact with a patient to provide either re-education of a muscle and movement or to stabilize one body area to enable improved strength or range of motion. The application of tape is usually performed in conjunction with educating the patient on various functional movement patterns. The tape is applied based on the patient’s specific patterns of weakness or strength. The tape is left in place after instruction related to movements designed for improving strength, range, and coordination is provided and documented. However, if the purpose of the taping is to immobilize the shoulder, then the strapping codes may be appropriate as those codes describe the use of a strap or other reinforced material applied post-fracture or other injury to immobilize the joint. If the taping is performed to facilitate movement by providing support, and the tape is applied specifically to enable less painful use of the shoulder and greater function (ie, restricting in some movement, facilitating others), application of tape in this manner is typically part of neuromuscular re-education (97112) or therapeutic exercise (97110), depending on the intent and the outcome desired. This includes application of Kinesiology tape or McConnell taping techniques.”

What is the CPT code for elastic therapeutic taping?

I do not recommend billing CPT codes 29200, 29240, 29260, 29280, 29520, 29530, 29540 or 29799 for elastic therapeutic taping.

How to contact Target Coding?

Target Coding can be reached at 1-800-270-7044, website – www.TargetCoding.com, email – info@targetcoding.com. Get access to professional pricing when you create an account or contact your account manager at 1.800.472.4221 for more information. Related Posts. Disqus Recommendations.

Is a CPT code 97799 a non-payable service?

You should consider stand-alone taping a non-payable service by most health plans. If you need to bill an insurance carrier for taping, I recommend you use CPT code 97139 (unlisted therapeutic procedure) or CPT code 97799 (unlisted physical medicine/rehabilitation service or procedure).

Is taping a non-payable service?

I have not read any health plan policies that state taping, as a stand-alone service, is payable for alleviating pain, reducing inflammation and promoting good circulation. You can include the amount of time spent taping as part of 97110 or 97112. You should consider stand-alone taping a non-payable service by most health plans . If you need to bill an insurance carrier for taping, I recommend you use CPT code 97139 (unlisted therapeutic procedure) or CPT code 97799 (unlisted physical medicine/rehabilitation service or procedure). You can also bill HCPCS code A4450 per 18 sq. inches of tape (non waterproof) or A4452 per 18 sq. inches of tape (waterproof).

What is a kinesiology tape?

According to the AMA, “Kinesiology tape is a supply. Its application is included in the time spent in direct contact with a patient to provide either re-education of a muscle and movement or to stabilize one body area to enable improved strength or range of motion.

What is the CPT code for elastic therapeutic taping?

I do not recommend billing CPT codes 29200, 29240, 29260, 29280, 29520, 29530, 29540 or 29799 for elastic therapeutic taping.

How to contact Target Coding?

Target Coding can be reached at 1-800-270-7044, website – www.TargetCoding.com, email – info@targetcoding.com. For more info on products mentioned in this article or for info on current product specials, please contact your personal MeyerPT Account Manager.

Is a CPT code 97799 a non-payable service?

You should consider stand-alone taping a non-payable service by most health plans. If you need to bill an insurance carrier for taping, I recommend you use CPT code 97139 (unlisted therapeutic procedure) or CPT code 97799 (unlisted physical medicine/rehabilitation service or procedure).

Is kinesiology tape good for healing?

According to the AMA, “Kinesiology tape is a supply.

Is taping a non-payable service?

I have not read any health plan policies that state taping, as a stand-alone service, is payable for alleviating pain, reducing inflammation and promoting good circulation. You can include the amount of time spent taping as part of 97110 or 97112. You should consider stand-alone taping a non-payable service by most health plans . If you need to bill an insurance carrier for taping, I recommend you use CPT code 97139 (unlisted therapeutic procedure) or CPT code 97799 (unlisted physical medicine/rehabilitation service or procedure). You can also bill HCPCS code A4450 per 18 sq. inches of tape (non waterproof) or A4452 per 18 sq. inches of tape (waterproof).

Why do contractors specify bill types?

Contractors may specify Bill Types to help providers identify those Bill Types typically used to report this service . Absence of a Bill Type does not guarantee that the article does not apply to that Bill Type. Complete absence of all Bill Types indicates that coverage is not influenced by Bill Type and the article should be assumed to apply equally to all claims.

How many visits should a passive exercise program be used?

For many patients a passive-only exercise program should not be used more than 2-4 visits to develop and train the patient or caregiver in performing PROM. Documentation would be necessary to support services beyond this level (such as PROM where these is an unhealed, unstable fracture, or new rotator cuff repair, requiring the skills of a therapist to ensure that the extremity is maintained in proper position and alignment during the PROM).

How long should a therapy session be?

Rarely, except during an evaluation, should therapy session length be greater than 30-60 minutes. If longer sessions are required, documentation must support as medically necessary the duration of the session and the amount of interventions performed.

Can a PTA be billed incident to a physician's service?

The services of PTAs and OTAs also may not be billed incident to a physician’s/NPP’s service. However, if a PT and PTA (or an OT and OTA) are both employed in a physician’s office, the services of the PTA, when directly supervised by the PT or the services of the OTA, when directly supervised by the OT may be billed by the physician group as PT or OT services using the PIN/NPI of the enrolled PT (or OT). (See Section 230.4 for private practice rules on billing services performed in a physician’s office.) If the PT or OT is not enrolled, Medicare shall not pay for the services of a PTA or OTA billed incident to the physician’s service, because they do not meet the qualification standards in 42CFR484.4.

Can a physical therapist be a clinical instructor?

Qualified professionals may serve as clinical instructors for therapy students within their scope of practice. Physical therapist assistants and occupational therapy assistants may only serve as clinical instructors for physical therapist assistant students and occupational therapy assistant students, respectively, when performed under the direction and supervision of the licensed physical or occupational therapist (in states where licensure applies). Services performed by a student (therapy student or therapy assistant student) are not reimbursed, even if provided under “line of sight” supervision of the therapist. However, the services of a qualified professional are covered, even when a student is participating in the care. To be covered when the student is participating, the qualified professional must be present in the room and must:

Is time spent on documentation covered by Medicare?

Under Medicare, time spent in documentation of services (medical record production) is part of the coverage of the respective CPT code; there is no separate coverage for time spent on documentation (except for CPT Code 96125).

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