CPT Code 97162 billing guide showing modifiers reimbursement rules and documentation requirements for physical therapy evaluation claims in 2026

CPT Code 97162: Modifiers, Reimbursement & Billing Rules for Physical Therapy [2026]

What Is CPT Code 97162?

Official 97162 CPT Code Description

Is CPT Code 97162 Timed or Untimed?

Who Can Bill CPT Code 97162?

When Should You Use CPT Code 97162?

Clinical Criteria for Selecting CPT 97162

Clinical Scenarios Where 97162 Applies

CPT 97161 vs 97162 vs 97163: Choosing the Right Evaluation Complexity Level

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

The Most Expensive Coding Mistake in PT Billing

Documentation Requirements for CPT Code 97162

What Payer Auditors Check in a 97162 Evaluation Note

The Documentation Format That Survives Audits

Which Modifiers Apply to CPT Code 97162?

Complete Modifier Reference for 97162

Modifier 59 vs. XE: Which One to Use

The KX Modifier Threshold in 2026

The CQ Modifier: Why It Matters Even Though It Doesn’t Go on Evaluations

Can You Bill 97162 with Other CPT Codes? NCCI Bundling Rules Explained

97162 and 97140: Billing Together

97162 and 97110: Billing Together

97162 and 97530: An Important Clarification

Codes That Are Inclusive Within the Evaluation

Quick-Reference Bundling Table

CPT Code 97162 Reimbursement: Medicare Rates, RVUs & Commercial Payer Data [2026]

2026 Medicare National Payment Rate

Here’s how the math breaks down:

Why Medicare Part B Rates Vary Dramatically by State

Commercial Payer Reimbursement Estimates

What Changed for CPT Code 97162 in 2026? Key Medicare & Policy Updates

The 2026 Conversion Factor: Why the “Raise” Doesn’t Increase Your Revenue

Telehealth Status for PT Evaluations After January 2026

NCCI Edits and MUE Updates: Q1 2026

PTA General Supervision: A Scheduling and Revenue Opportunity

2026 CPT Code Set: No Changes to PT Evaluation Codes

Top 5 Denial Reasons for CPT Code 97162, And How to Prevent Each One

Denial #1: Documentation Doesn’t Support Moderate Complexity

Denial #2: Cloned or Template Notes

Denial #3: Missing KX Modifier Above $2,480

Denial #4: Wrong Provider Type on the Claim

Denial #5: Bundling Violations on Evaluation Day

How Credentialing Gaps Silently Kill Your 97162 Revenue

The Financial Impact Is Bigger Than You’d Expect

The Fix Is Simple When It’s Built Into Your Workflow

How Much Revenue Does Your Practice Lose from 97162 Billing Errors?

Here’s the math.

Related Physical Therapy CPT Codes

Frequently Asked Questions About CPT Code 97162

What is the 97162 CPT code?

What is the difference between 97161 and 97162?

How often can 97162 be billed?

How many units are allowed for 97162?

Can you bill 97162 and 97140 together?

Can you bill 97162 and 97530 together?

What does evolving clinical presentation mean?

What are the CPT code 97162 billing guidelines?

What is a re-evaluation in physical therapy?

What are the three categories of clinical assessment for PT evaluations?

Does 97162 require a referral or prior authorization?

What ICD-10 codes are commonly billed with 97162?

How to bill 97162?

Protecting Your PT Practice Revenue with Accurate 97162 Billing

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