G8981 - Assessment of ability to change and maintain body positions during physical therapy

Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System

Last updated: 11/28/2025

What is a HCPCS Code?

HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) codes are used to identify medical procedures, supplies, and services for billing purposes. These codes help standardize how healthcare services are reported and billed across different providers and insurance companies.

Detailed Description

This code is used by physical therapists to document and track a patient's current functional ability to change positions (like sitting to standing, lying down to sitting up) and maintain those positions. It measures this ability at the start of therapy and at regular check-in points to monitor progress throughout treatment.

Additional Information

This is a tracking code used for documentation and progress monitoring in physical therapy, not a treatment itself. It helps therapists measure improvement in basic mobility functions over time.

Category

Physical Therapy Assessment

Medical Specialty

Physical Therapy/Rehabilitation

Expected Costs

Your actual cost will depend on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.

What's Required Before This

  • Physical therapy evaluation
  • Functional assessment by licensed therapist

What to Expect After

  • Regular reassessment during therapy
  • Progress monitoring at reporting intervals

Why Understanding This Code Matters

On Your Medical Bill

This code appears on your medical bills to identify the specific service, procedure, drug, or medical diagnosis you received. Understanding what it means helps you verify you're being charged correctly and know what to expect.

For Your Health

Knowing what this code represents helps you understand your treatment plan, ask better questions during appointments, and track your healthcare journey more effectively.

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