Is has been brought to my attention that several insurance companies are no longer reimbursing for manual therapy, code 97140. Additionally I was told by a colleague of mine that the evidence-based practice is supporting therapeutic exercise and guided imagery and not manual therapy.
This would be bad news for a Manual Therapist like myself, however, my manual therapy practice utilizes a technique called the ARMS release technique. ARMS stands for active release with manual stabilization.
It incorporates mobilization (97140) and stabilization (97112) with ANY of the following:
- Therapeutic exercise: 97110
- Therapeutic activities: 97530
- Gait training: 97116
It is your choice based upon the movement that you choose to combine with mobilization and stability.
As a result I'm able to bill any of these codes, depending on what is appropriate. More importantly I can justifiably, as well as ethically, not bill for mobilization.
Billing is not the only benefit of this technique. ARMS releases dysfunctional tissue in 5 to 10 seconds when performed properly.
The patient is an active participant in the release and they are in control and will not move in a manner to cause harm to themselves.
Since movement, gait or exercise is incorporated with mobilization and stability you are getting more bang for your treatment time.
When using this technique along with diagnostic motion evaluation and dynamic static evaluation, I'm able to restore function sometimes in as little as one visit.
See some of the before and after results from one visit using these 2 powerful techniques.
