S8940 Hippotherapy per session
Also known as: horse therapy, equine-assisted therapy, therapeutic riding
Hippotherapy is an equine-assisted therapy where therapeutic riding of horses is used as a treatment modality to improve physical, occupational, and psychological outcomes in patients.
In Plain Language
therapy involving riding horses; horse-assisted rehabilitation
Clinical Context
Primarily used in pediatric rehabilitation, neuromuscular disorders, cerebral palsy, and psychological trauma. The rhythmic movement of the horse combined with the therapeutic environment provides sensorimotor stimulation.
RVU Information
CPT S8940 does not have a physician work RVU assigned by CMS. This is typical for supply, drug, and equipment codes — reimbursement is based on Average Sales Price (ASP), fee schedules, or payer contracts rather than the RVU system.
Billing & Documentation
S-codes are used by private payers (not Medicare) for services without a standard CPT or HCPCS code. Coverage varies significantly between insurers. Verify payer acceptance before billing and document medical necessity thoroughly.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code S8940?
CPT S8940 (Hippotherapy per session) is a S Codes code. Hippotherapy is an equine-assisted therapy where therapeutic riding of horses is used as a treatment modality to improve physical, occupational, and psychological outcomes in patients.
Is S8940 covered by insurance?
S8940 is a temporary HCPCS code. Coverage varies by payer and may change when permanent codes are assigned. Primarily used in pediatric rehabilitation, neuromuscular disorders, cerebral palsy, and psychological trauma. The rhythmic movement of the horse combined with the therapeutic environment provides sensorimotor stimulation.
When is CPT S8940 used?
Primarily used in pediatric rehabilitation, neuromuscular disorders, cerebral palsy, and psychological trauma. The rhythmic movement of the horse combined with the therapeutic environment provides sensorimotor stimulation.
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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.