Summary & Overview
HCPCS Level II S8940: Equestrian/Hippotherapy, Per Session
HCPCS Level II code S8940 denotes equestrian/hippotherapy billed per session, a therapeutic modality that uses equine movement to address neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and functional goals. Nationally, this code is relevant for payers assessing coverage of nontraditional therapeutic services, provider billing practices, and program access for patients who may benefit from specialized adjunctive therapies.
Key payers addressed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the code's clinical purpose and service setting, typical payer considerations, and the areas that commonly inform coverage decisions and claims processing for hippotherapy sessions.
This publication summarizes what the code represents, the service type and typical site of service, and the payer landscape included in the analysis. It also outlines the benchmarks and policy topics readers can expect to review, such as reimbursement handling for per-session therapeutic services, documentation and coding considerations, and payer-specific prior authorization or medical necessity patterns when available. Data not provided in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code S8940 represents equestrian/hippotherapy, per session. The service involves therapeutic riding activities that integrate the movement of a horse to address functional outcomes, typically delivered as a skilled therapeutic intervention. Service type: Therapeutic equestrian/hippotherapy session. Typical site of service: Equestrian facility or therapy center offering hippotherapy services.
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A child with cerebral palsy presents to a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program for hippotherapy. The patient has spastic diplegia with impaired trunk control, decreased balance, and asymmetric gait. The referring pediatric physiatrist orders therapeutic equestrian sessions to improve postural control, balance, and functional mobility. A credentialed therapist (physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist with hippotherapy training) conducts an initial evaluation on the therapy farm site, documents baseline mobility and goals, and then delivers supervised S8940 sessions on a therapy horse in 30- to 45-minute increments. Each session includes gait and postural activities, graded sensory input from the horse’s movement, and functional task practice. Progress is documented in the medical record, goals are reassessed every 4–8 weeks, and communication occurs with the referring clinician regarding outcomes. Typical site of service is an accredited equestrian therapy center or therapeutic riding facility with appropriate medical and safety oversight.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier | Use when no special circumstance applies to the service. |