Beyond Spinal Adjustments: Diversifying Chiropractic Billing Methods to Capture Full Revenue!

How about sharing a weird confession? Some chiropractors still believe that if it's not a spinal adjustment, it's not billable. But here's the truth: if you're offering services beyond 98940–98942 and not billing for them, you're leaving serious revenue on the table. Especially if you're a small clinic in Arizona, this could mean the difference between growth and stagnation.

If you're only billing spinal manipulations, your clinic is likely missing out on reimbursable services that fall well within CMS and commercial payor guidelines. It's time to rethink your medical billing methods Arizona providers—because you’re likely doing more than you're charging for.

Are You Only Billing for Spinal Manipulations? You Shouldn’t Be.

Spinal adjustments (CPT 98940–98942) are only one piece of the puzzle. Many chiropractors also provide:

●        Manual therapy techniques (CPT 97140)

●        Therapeutic activities (CPT 97530)

If these aren’t on your claims, you’re possibly providing these services for free. That’s a financial leak—especially if you're a small clinic with limited staff and time.

Here’s What You Can (and Should) Be Billing

The key is accurate coding, clear documentation, and using modifiers when needed.

●        CPT 97140: Covers manual therapy like myofascial release, separate from the spinal adjustment.

●        CPT 97530: Targets functional performance—think lifting, reaching, or balance activities.

For the record, the AT modifier (for Active Treatment) with CPT 98940–98942 (under acute treatment format) is covered to signal medical necessity when submitting to Medicare.

But Wait—Is It Medically Necessary?

Billing a code is one thing. Getting reimbursed? That’s another. Medical necessity must be clearly supported in your SOAP notes. Insurers—and especially CMS—want to see:

●        Diagnosis supported by ICD-10 codes

●        Clinical goals tied to function

●        Documented progression of treatment

●        Consistency with CMS LCDs (Local Coverage Determinations)

Use structured documentation templates to streamline SOAP notes and avoid compliance flags.

Statistics Don’t Lie: Most Clinics Under-Bill

According to a 2024 analysis by the American Chiropractic Association, 68% of small chiropractic clinics fail to bill for all eligible services, leading to an average annual revenue loss of $34,000 per provider.

If you're still thinking, "But I don’t have time for all this billing stuff…"—you're not alone. It’s time to check out what and how precisely - medical billing methods Arizona professionals get to the core of it!

Expert Opinion: What Industry Leaders Say

“Chiropractors are providing comprehensive care but documenting like it's 2005. If you’re doing therapeutic interventions, you need to bill like a therapist—not just a chiropractor,” — Dr. E, DC, CPC, RCM Specialist

Stop Overworking and Underbilling

If you’re offering full-body rehab services or neuromuscular training but only billing adjustments, your RCM isn’t working for you—it’s working against you. Diversified billing means more revenue, better audit protection, and improved financial health.

What About Your Billing Capacity?

You’re running lean. Staff wear multiple hats. Sound familiar? That’s where outsourcing helps. A provider like Billing Business Specialists LLC streamlines your medical billing methods operation Arizona clinics need—handling claim submissions, denials, modifiers, and audits—so you don’t have to.

Why Diversification = Long-Term Stability

Here’s the benefit breakdown:

●        Increased revenue per patient

●        Stronger documentation compliance

●        Faster reimbursement cycles

●        Fewer denied claims

●        Peace of mind in audits

Plus, billing additional services allows you to justify extended care plans—something insurers want when patients receive care over weeks or months.

Still Not Sure Where to Start?

Let’s make it simple:

●        Audit your services: List every treatment you offer beyond spinal adjustments.

●        Match to CPT codes: Find the appropriate codes (use a certified coder if needed).

●        Revamp documentation: Use structured templates and SOAP note best practices.

●        Outsource smartly: Partner with a revenue cycle pro to handle the heavy lifting.

FAQs: Chiropractic Billing Made Simple

1. Can I bill manual therapy and an adjustment on the same visit?

Yes, but you must use modifier -59 to show that the manual therapy was a separate and distinct service from the spinal manipulation.

2. How can I prove medical necessity for non-adjustment services? 

Use clear ICD-10 codes, functional goals, and SOAP notes that align with CMS LCDs for your region.

3. Which are the codes payable by Medicare?

The services that are payable under Medicare are - 98940–98942 with modifier AT, and that too under acute scenario.

4. What’s the biggest documentation mistake? 

Failing to tie services to functional outcomes—insurers want to see patient progression, not just symptoms.

5. How can Billing Business Specialists LLC help? 

We offer expert RCM services designed for Arizona’s small clinics—covering coding, claim submission, denial management, and compliance so you can focus on care.

If you’re tired of second-guessing your billing and ready to capture the full value of your services—it’s time to bill smarter, not harder.

Whether you're in Phoenix or Flagstaff, Billing Business Specialists LLC is here to support your clinic’s success with tailored medical billing methods Arizona clinics actually need.Stop letting outdated billing habits cap your clinic’s growth. You’re doing more than adjustments—let’s make sure you’re being paid for it.

Let’s talk. Your revenue deserves it.