CPT Strapping vs. Splinting

Current Procedural Terminology, or CPT, codes were developed by the American Medical Association to describe medical procedures. CPT codes are used by rehabilitation therapists to bill for procedures related to splinting.

Splinting

• Two CPT codes are used for splinting. CPT 97760 is for "orthotic (splint) management and training" (fitting and evaluation). CPT 97762 is for "checkout for orthotic (splint) use" for a current patient. Both are billed in 15-minute increments.

Splints

• Splints are billed separate from the accompanying CPT codes. Medical supplies, including premade splints and custom-fabricated splints, are billed using "L" codes.

Strapping

• Strapping materials are used with custom-fabricated splints. They are covered as part of the original "L" code billed for the splint. Additional strapping materials can be purchased by a patient. However, there is no medical code for strapping, and payment might be out of pocket.