97012 Mechanical traction therapy
Also known as: Traction therapy, Spinal traction, Cervical traction
Mechanical traction therapy applied to spine or extremity to reduce pain and improve function. Includes manual or mechanical traction application.
In Plain Language
Stretching therapy for spine or joint pain
Clinical Context
Used for spinal stenosis, disc herniations, and nerve compression syndromes. Aims to decompress spine and relieve radiculopathy.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.24 |
| Total RVU | 0.24 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Medicine section codes cover a wide range of non-surgical services. Documentation should include the clinical indication, procedure details, interpretation (if applicable), and any patient-specific findings.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 0.24, this code ranks in the 15th percentile among Medicine codes — 3.3x below the median (0.78). The highest wRVU in this category is 23.92.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 97012?
CPT 97012 (Mechanical traction therapy) is a Medicine code. Mechanical traction therapy applied to spine or extremity to reduce pain and improve function. Includes manual or mechanical traction application.
Who uses CPT code 97012?
CPT 97012 is used by Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation, Orthopedic. Used for spinal stenosis, disc herniations, and nerve compression syndromes. Aims to decompress spine and relieve radiculopathy.
When is CPT 97012 used?
Used for spinal stenosis, disc herniations, and nerve compression syndromes. Aims to decompress spine and relieve radiculopathy.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.