Physical Therapy Billing: What You Need to Know About Claims, Codes, and Reimbursement

When you're running a physical therapy practice, physical therapy billing, the process of submitting claims to insurance companies for services rendered. Also known as PT billing, it's not just paperwork—it's the lifeline that keeps your business running. If the billing gets messy, you don't get paid. And if your patients don't understand what they owe, they delay or skip care. It's simple: clean billing means better cash flow, fewer patient frustrations, and more time spent helping people move better.

Behind every successful therapy session is a chain of billing codes, standardized numbers that describe the exact service provided. Also known as CPT codes, these are what insurers use to decide how much to pay. For example, 97110 is therapeutic exercise, 97140 is manual therapy, and 97035 is electrical stimulation. Mix up the code, and your claim gets denied. You don't need to memorize all 800+ codes, but you do need a system—whether it's software, a trained coder, or a trusted billing service. And don't forget reimbursement, the actual payment you receive after a claim is processed. Every insurer has different rules. Medicare pays one rate. Private plans like Blue Cross or UnitedHealthcare pay another. Some require pre-authorization. Others deny claims for missing documentation. Ignoring these differences is like driving without a map.

Then there's the human side. Patients get confused by EOBs (Explanation of Benefits), surprise bills, and copays they didn’t expect. A good billing process doesn’t just submit claims—it explains them. Clear communication reduces no-shows, builds trust, and keeps patients coming back. You’re not just treating injuries—you’re managing financial expectations too.

The posts below cover real-world issues you’ll face: how to avoid common billing errors, what codes get denied most often, how to handle insurance appeals, and what to do when a patient’s coverage changes mid-treatment. You won’t find fluff here—just straight talk on getting paid for the work you do. Whether you're a new clinic owner, a solo practitioner, or a therapist managing your own paperwork, these guides will help you cut through the confusion and fix what’s broken.