A flexion/distraction table is used by the provider (one-on-one) to increase a patients range of motion (ROM) and flexibility while lowering the intrathecal pressure of the intervertebral disc for at least 8 minutes of face-to-face time. To achieve this, the patients ankles are strapped to the table, the table is then distracted, and, depending on the specific deficits identified during ROM tests, the patient is either placed passively into flexion or extension, with lateral flexion to the right or left, or rotation to the left or right, or a combination of both. When the passive ROM is being performed, manual pressure is applied at S1 while also applying pressure to the lumbar spine starting at L5 to L1. The process is then repeated in reverse order beginning at L1 and working to L5. The procedure is performed 2 to 3 times and typically takes 10 to 15 minutes total time. Should this be reported with code 97110 ? ...

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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 coding article addresses a one-on-one flexion/distraction table procedure used to improve motion and flexibility, and it explains the general reporting question raised by that service. It is intended for coders and providers who work with therapy and rehabilitation services and need to understand the broad CPT context, timing concepts, and related manual therapy categorization.

Why This Topic Matters

Selecting the correct therapy code affects accurate reporting of rehabilitation services and avoids misuse of a therapeutic exercise code when the documented service is a different type of hands-on treatment. The article helps readers place the procedure within the correct high-level CPT framework.

Codes Discussed

• CPT: 97110
• CPT: 97140

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