Billing and Coding: Chiropractic Services

Medicare covers chiropractic manipulation when it is active/corrective treatment for acute or chronic vertebral subluxation, is reasonable and necessary per national policy and LCD L37387, and the chiropractor documents precise level(s) of subluxation and reports the AT modifier on the claim. Maintenance therapy is not payable with the AT modifier, a statement of 'pain' alone is insufficient, contractors may deny services after medical review, and only one manipulation service is reimbursable per beneficiary per day.

"Chiropractic manipulation is covered when provided as active/corrective treatment to treat an acute or chronic vertebral subluxation and the claim includes the AT modifier."

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