Guide to Chiropractic CPT Codes: What and When to Bill (2026)

The right billing depends on various factors, but the one that matters most is the use of chiropractic CPT codes. No matter how much effort you put into treating patients with the utmost care, if your CPT codes don’t bill correctly, nobody can help you get paid for that rendered service.

So, what should you do before submitting medical claims? Always ensure that you use accurate, up-to-date, and valid medical billing codes when billing chiropractic therapies. Since 1st of Janurary, 2026, the American Medical Association (AMA) has updated the chiropractic CPT codes. These codes focus more on diagnostic specificity; however, the manipulation codes remain the same, though under tighter audit scrutiny.

Therefore, you should always know when to use which CPT code to bill in 2026 for faster, more timely, and more accurate reimbursements. This guide will cover all new CPT codes and modifiers to help chiropractors improve the clean claim rate, reduce denials, and optimize the revenue cycle. Also, we’ll discuss the expert chiropractic billing and coding guidelines by the end of the blog.

What are the CPT Codes for Chiropractic Services?

The CPT codes for chiropractic services refer to the Current Procedural Codes, established by the American Medical Association (AMA) to help health insurance companies know what service has been delivered to the patient.

Chiropractic CPT codes are mainly divided into three categories: manipulative treatment, evaluation and management, and physical medicine and rehabilitation. Further, these CPT codes must be linked with the proper ICD-10 (diagnosis codes) for accurate documentation, which helps you get paid on time and avoid rejections.

Overview of Chiropractic CPT Codes for Billing (2026)

CPT Code	Description	Category	When to Use
98940	Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment (CMT), 1–2 spinal regions	Chiropractic Manipulation	Use when adjusting 1–2 spinal regions to restore alignment and reduce pain
98941	CMT, 3–4 spinal regions	Chiropractic Manipulation	Use for moderate spinal adjustments involving 3–4 regions
98942	CMT, 5 spinal regions	Chiropractic Manipulation	Use when performing full spine adjustments across 5 regions
98943	CMT, extraspinal (e.g., extremities)	Chiropractic Manipulation	Use for adjustments outside the spine (shoulders, knees, wrists, etc.)
97110	Therapeutic exercises to improve strength and mobility	Rehabilitation Therapy	Use when guiding patients through exercises to improve movement and function
97112	Neuromuscular re-education	Rehabilitation Therapy	Use to improve balance, coordination, posture, and motor control
97150	Group therapeutic procedures	Rehabilitation Therapy	Use when treating multiple patients in a supervised group therapy session
97140	Manual therapy techniques (e.g., joint mobilization)	Manual Therapy	Use for hands-on treatment like soft tissue work or joint mobilization
97124	Therapeutic massage	Manual Therapy	Use for massage therapy aimed at muscle relaxation and circulation improvement
97012	Mechanical traction therapy	Physical Modality	Use when applying traction to relieve spinal pressure and pain
97014	Electrical stimulation (unattended)	Physical Modality	Use for electrotherapy to stimulate muscles and nerves for recovery
97032	Electrical stimulation (attended)	Physical Modality	Use when the provider actively supervises electrical stimulation therapy
97035	Ultrasound therapy	Physical Modality	Use high-frequency sound waves to reduce inflammation and promote healing

Common Medical Billing Codes for Chiropractors

In 2026, payers are now using automation and AI tools that strict the chiropractic documentation process. A small error can cause instant rejections. On the other hand, chiropractic clinics are starting to use digital tools to bypass payer claim rejections. By updating CPT codes, payers ensure that every treatment is coded accurately and revise reimbursement rates to help manage the overall healthcare billing industry.

Let’s look over the most common CPT codes used by chiropractor service providers.

Therapeutic Exercise & Rehabilitation Codes

CPT Code 97110 – Therapeutic Exercises for Motor Functions

When the provider performs therapeutic exercises to enhance the patient’s mobility and fitness using various techniques, the chiropractor should bill these services with CPT code 97110.

CPT Code 97112 – Neuromuscular Re-education

97112 should be documented only when the provider performs neuromuscular re-education to reduce impairments and restore function in patients, enabling them to perform physical activity without hindrance.

CPT Code 97150 – Group Therapy Techniques

The CPT code 97150 indicates that the healthcare provider/therapist used group therapy techniques to restore motor function throughout the patient’s body. The therapy must be conducted by a licensed physical therapist for two or more patients.

Manual Therapy Codes

CPT Code 97140 – Manual Therapeutic Techniques

The CPT code 97140 is used when the chiropractor performs manual therapeutic techniques, including the use of the pressure hand technique, to treat various disorders of soft tissues and joints. Such as the chronic pain improvement or lymphatic drainage.

CPT Code 97124 – Therapeutic Massage

The CPT code 97124 must be used when the physician or physical therapist performs a therapeutic massage over the body’s muscles and tissues to restore blood circulation and relax soft tissues. Further, always ensure that this code is applied only to the 15-minute massage therapy.

Physical Modalities (Passive Treatments)

CPT Code 97012 – Mechanical Traction Therapy

When the patient is treated with mechanical traction therapy to improve the vertebrae and intervertebral foramina, relieve pain, and promote blood circulation and fluid movement within the spinal discs. Then, use CPT code 97012 to bill this treatment. Also, you can use this code when treating the patient suffering from the DJD, herniated disc, general neck, arm, leg and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.

CPT Code 97014 – Electrotherapy

Use CPT code 97014 when the provider performs electrotherapy to treat a patient who faces trauma, a car accident or any other injury that damages their head or spinal cord. Through electrotherapy, the provider applies an electric current to the patient’s body, nerves, and muscles to help restore bodily functions.

CPT Code 97032 – Electrical Stimulation

If the provider performs electrical stimulation to relieve pain, improve body movements, or contract or relax muscles by applying electric currents, then use CPT code 97032.

CPT Code 97035 – Ultrasound Therapy

The chiropractic CPT code 97035 is used to indicate that the ultrasound therapy is performed via high frequency (sound-wave) to relieve the inflammation or heal, relax or strengthen the muscles of the patient.

Chiropractic Manipulation Codes (Core Billing)

The chiropractic manipulation codes are used to treat spinal alignment and reduce pain throughout the patient’s spine. The treatment is delivered using hand pressure to set spinal alignment or small pressure tools on the joints.

When performing chiropractic manipulation, the provider must ensure they use accurate CPT codes for the spinal and extraspinal regions.

Here’s what CPT code you should use based on spinal regions;

CPT Code 98940: CMT Spinal, 1-2 Regions
CPT Code 98941: CMT Spinal, 3-4 Regions
CPT Code 98942: CMT Spinal, 5 Regions
CPT Code 98943: CMT Extraspinal, 1 or More Regions

Billing & Coding Guidelines for Chiropractors in 2026

If you’re a chiropractor or a hospital that serves chiropractic medical services, then you should know how to submit medical claims in 2026 for a faster and more accurate reimbursement process.

Here are the billing and coding guidelines you should follow during the medical billing process;

Documentation & Medical Necessity

In chiropractic billing, documentation is what proves that a service was actually needed and performed correctly. So, make sure every treatment is supported by detailed, clean clinical notes that include the patient’s condition, diagnosis, treatment plan, and progress. Medical necessity means the care is required to treat a specific health issue — not just for general wellness or routine maintenance. Without proper documentation showing clear medical necessity, even correctly coded claims can be denied.

Active Treatment vs. Maintenance Care

Insurance providers, especially Medicare, make a clear distinction between active treatment and maintenance care. Active treatment refers to care aimed at improving a patient’s condition, reducing pain, or restoring function. These services are typically covered when properly documented. On the other hand, maintenance care is provided to maintain a patient’s current condition or prevent deterioration, and it is usually not covered. Correctly identifying and documenting the type of care is essential to avoid claim rejections.

Modifier Rules You Must Know

Modifiers are used in medical billing to provide additional information about a service without changing the actual CPT code. In chiropractic billing, modifiers are used to explain whether a service was separate, necessary, or part of active treatment. For example, the AT modifier indicates active treatment, while modifiers such as 25 or 59 indicate that services were distinct and separately identifiable. Therefore, using the wrong modifier or forgetting to use the right one can lead to denials or compliance issues.

ICD-10 Diagnosis Coding Updates

When it comes to chiropractic medical billing, ICD-10 codes are used to describe the patient’s diagnosis and justify the treatment provided. However, these codes are updated annually by AMA, so if you use outdated or incorrect ones, then the insurer will deny the claim. In 2026, chiropractors are expected to use more specific diagnosis codes that clearly reflect the patient’s condition. Accurate ICD-10 coding ensures that the billed services align with the documented medical necessity.

Prevent Common Denials

Always make sure to avoid the most common medical billing errors, such as inaccurate codes, missing modifiers, patient demographic mistakes, or incorrect diagnosis codes — all of which can cause denials. By using a proactive approach, real-time eligibility verification software, and automated tools, you can easily reduce these errors and improve clean claim submission.

2026 Chiropractic Billing Checklist

✔ Use correct CPT codes (98940–98942 and related codes).
✔ Support every code with objective documentation.
✔ Apply AT modifier only for active treatment.
✔ Use 25/59 modifiers correctly when appropriate.
✔ Follow ICD-10 2026 updates for diagnoses.
✔ Avoid billing maintenance care as active treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What modifier should be used with CPT code 97110?

It really depends on the situation. In most cases, if you’re billing CPT 97110 along with other procedures on the same day, you might need to use modifier 59 or sometimes 25 (if there’s a separate E/M service involved). The key thing is to ensure the therapy is clearly distinct and medically necessary. If your documentation supports it, you’re good — if not, it can easily get denied.

What is the CPT code for chiropractic massage?

For chiropractic massage, the most commonly used code is 97124, which covers therapeutic massage. This includes techniques like kneading, stroking, and compression to help relax muscles and improve circulation.

What are the 7 methods of chiropractic adjustment?

There isn’t one official list set in stone, but generally, chiropractors use a mix of well-known techniques. These often include Diversified technique, Gonstead adjustment, Activator method, Thompson drop-table technique, Flexion-distraction, Spinal decompression, and Soft tissue therapy. The method used usually depends on the patient’s condition and comfort level.

Can you bill 97140 and 97012 together?

Yes, you can — but only if both services are medically necessary and clearly documented. Since these are different types of treatments (manual therapy vs. traction), they can be billed together. However, you may need to use a modifier such as 59 to indicate they are separate services. Without proper documentation, this can easily get flagged.

Is 97140 covered by Medicare?

Medicare coverage for 97140 is pretty limited. In most cases, Medicare covers spinal manipulation (98940–98942) only for chiropractic care. So, even if you perform manual therapy (97140), it’s usually not reimbursed by Medicare — though some secondary or commercial plans might cover it.

What is CPT code 97140 for chiropractic?

CPT 97140 is used for manual therapy techniques. This includes joint mobilization, soft-tissue manipulation, and myofascial release. Chiropractors often use it alongside adjustments to improve mobility and reduce pain, but it must be clearly documented and sometimes separated with a modifier when billed with other services.

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