Dry Needling: What CPT Code to Bill

As more and more therapists are getting trained in dry needling, I receive more questions on what CPT code do I bill for the dry needling techniques? According to APTA, “Dry needling is a skilled intervention that uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular, and connective tissues for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. It is a technique used to treat dysfunctions in skeletal muscle, fascia, and connective tissue, and to diminish persistent peripheral nociceptive input, and reduce or restore impairments in body structure and function, leading to improved activity and participation.”

So now that we have defined what dry needling is, what CPT code do we bill to be paid for our services? Many providers think or are told to bill for dry needling using CPT code 97140, Manual therapy techniques (eg, mobilization/manipulation, manual lymphatic drainage, manual traction), one or more regions, each 15 minutes. But is this the correct code to use? What does the American Medical Association (AMA) say about what is included in CPT code 97140 and why do we care what the AMA says?

The reason we care what the AMA states is that the AMA is the organization that