Strapping Codes for Kinesio Taping®

Can I use the strapping codes for Kinesio Taping®?

Using flexible tapes such as Kinesio tape or McConnell tape has become more common, and many chiropractic physicians want to bill insurance for these services. Although there are CPT® codes for taping and strapping, based on information within CPT® supporting documents, these codes should not be used for flexible taping. The AMA states “Splinting and strapping is used to enhance task and movement performance, support weak or ineffective joints or muscles, reduce or correct joint limitations or deformities and protect body parts from injury. Splinting and strapping are indicated for the treatment of fracture, dislocations, sprains, strains, tendonitis, post-op reconstruction, contractures and other deformities involving soft tissue.” Even though this description of the strapping codes indicates these codes would be appropriate for flexible taping, other information shows otherwise.

In March of 2012 the AMA CPT® Assistant published the following description for the use of strapping codes: “Because (elastic therapeutic) tape is a supply, its application is included in the time spent in direct contact with a patient to provide either reeducation of a muscle and movement or to stabilize a body area to enable improved strength or ROM. The application of tape is usually performed in conjunction with the education of the patient on various functional movement patterns. The tape is applied based on the patient’s specific pattern of weakness or strength. In addition, Medicare guidelines state that strapping refers to the application of overlapping strips of adhesive plaster or tape to a body part to exert pressure and hold a structure in place. Strapping codes should be used when providing total immobilization or restriction of movement.

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Additionally, BCBSIL states in its July BLUE Review that kinesiology services are considered not medically necessary. It further states that BCBSIL PPO providers should inform patients that Kinesio taping is not a covered benefit. Under BCBS HMO plan Kinesio taping may be covered with a referral from the patient’s PCP or PSP. BCBS also cites the AMA and Medicare in their BLUE Review article. In addition, BCBSIL states that they reserve the right to review claims and seek refunds of overpayments which may have resulted from the incorrect billing of taping services.