How Much Does Physical Therapy Evaluation - Low Complexity Cost?
Also known as: Pt eval low complex 20 min (CPT 97161)
An initial assessment by a physical therapist for a straightforward condition.
Physical Therapy Evaluation - Low Complexity (CPT 97161) costs $98 at Medicare rates.
Patient Guide: Physical Therapy Evaluation - Low Complexity
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
The therapist will ask about your symptoms, test your movement and strength, and create a treatment plan.
How Long Does It Take?
30-45 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Simple sprain, mild back pain, post-cast removal, minor injury follow-up
How to Prepare
Bring your doctor referral and insurance card. Wear comfortable clothes. Write down your symptoms and goals.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Pt eval low complex 20 min
Pt eval low complex 20 min Cost by Location
Medicare-adjusted rates across CMS localities
| Location | Medicare Rate | Est. Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| AK — ALASKA | $127 | $165 — $254 |
| AL — ALABAMA | $92 | $120 — $185 |
| AR — ARKANSAS | $92 | $119 — $183 |
| AZ — ARIZONA | $97 | $126 — $194 |
| CA — BAKERSFIELD | $104 | $135 — $207 |
| CA — CHICO | $104 | $135 — $207 |
| CA — EL CENTRO | $104 | $135 — $207 |
| CA — FRESNO | $104 | $135 — $207 |
| CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN | $104 | $135 — $207 |
| CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) | $109 | $141 — $218 |
| CA — MADERA | $104 | $135 — $207 |
| CA — MERCED | $104 | $135 — $207 |
| CA — MODESTO | $104 | $135 — $207 |
| CA — NAPA | $116 | $151 — $232 |
| CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA | $108 | $141 — $216 |
| CA — REDDING | $104 | $135 — $207 |
| CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA | $104 | $135 — $207 |
| CA — RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO-ONTARIO | $104 | $135 — $207 |
| CA — SACRAMENTO-ROSEVILLE-FOLSOM | $108 | $140 — $215 |
| CA — SALINAS | $107 | $139 — $214 |
| CA — SAN DIEGO-CHULA VISTA-CARLSBAD | $109 | $141 — $218 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (MARIN CNTY) | $122 | $159 — $244 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (SAN FRANCISCO/SAN MATEO/ALAMEDA/CONTRA COSTA CNTY) | $122 | $159 — $244 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SAN BENITO CNTY) | $124 | $162 — $249 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SANTA CLARA CNTY) | $124 | $162 — $249 |
How to Reduce Your Cost for Pt eval low complex 20 min
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Medicare rates for this procedure range from $92 to $127 depending on location. Commercial rates vary even more.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (2.93) x CF ($33.40) = $98
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Pt eval low complex 20 min cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Pt eval low complex 20 min is $98. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Pt eval low complex 20 min cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Pt eval low complex 20 min can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Pt eval low complex 20 min?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Pt eval low complex 20 min when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.