CPT 97116 reports gait training, including stair training, billed in 15-minute units to improve walking and ambulation.
When to use 97116
Use 97116 for one-on-one gait and ambulation training, distinct from therapeutic exercise (97110) and neuromuscular reeducation (97112).
How to bill it
Report one unit per 15 minutes under the 8-minute rule. 97116 covers gait and stair training specifically; do not count the same minutes toward a broader 97112 neuromuscular block.
Common pitfalls
- Confusing gait training (97116) with neuromuscular reeducation (97112).
- Billing without documenting the ambulation or stair focus.
Frequently asked questions
How does 97116 differ from 97112?
97116 is gait and ambulation training; 97112 is broader neuromuscular reeducation of movement and balance.
Is 97116 timed?
Yes. 97116 is billed in 15-minute units under the 8-minute rule; count only the gait and ambulation minutes, not unrelated exercise time.