How To Use CPT Code 97150

CPT 97150 describes the supervision and direction of therapeutic procedures for a group of patients. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 97150?

CPT 97150 can be used to describe the supervision and direction of therapeutic procedures provided by a healthcare professional for a group of patients. This code is used when the provider addresses the needs of two or more patients with a common ailment or who have the same goals and require the same types of therapy. The provider designs, implements, demonstrates, and supervises therapeutic procedures such as exercise therapy, aquatic therapy, or group neuro-rehabilitation for patients with similar physical disorders.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 97150 is: ‘Therapeutic procedure(s), group (2 or more individuals).’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare professional identifies a group of patients with a common ailment or similar therapy needs.
2. The provider designs a therapeutic procedure plan tailored to the group’s specific physical disorders.
3. The provider implements and demonstrates the therapeutic procedures, such as exercise therapy or aquatic therapy, to the group of patients.
4. The provider supervises and directs the group during the therapeutic procedures, ensuring proper technique and safety.
5. The provider may modify the therapeutic procedures based on individual patient needs within the group.
6. The provider may schedule additional sessions as needed to achieve the desired therapeutic goals for the group.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 97150 is appropriate for patients who require group therapy for their physical disorders. The therapy sessions should involve two or more individuals with a common ailment or similar therapy needs. The healthcare professional providing the supervision and direction should have the necessary qualifications and expertise in the specific therapeutic procedures being performed.

5. When to use CPT code 97150

CPT code 97150 should be used when a healthcare professional provides supervision and direction for therapeutic procedures to a group of patients with a common ailment or similar therapy needs. It is important to note that this code does not require one-on-one patient contact by the same healthcare professional. If the therapy session involves one-on-one patient contact, a different code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 97150, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• The specific therapeutic procedures performed during the group session
• The number of patients in the group
• The start and end time of the session
• Any modifications made to the therapeutic procedures based on individual patient needs
• The progress made by the group towards their therapeutic goals
• The signature of the healthcare professional providing the supervision and direction

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 97150, ensure that the healthcare professional providing the service is qualified and has the necessary expertise in the therapeutic procedures being performed. It is important to use only one unit of this code per patient per day. CPT code 97150 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT codes 97154 or 97158. Review the specific guidelines and requirements of the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 97150 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1995. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A physical therapist supervising and directing a group of patients with knee injuries during an exercise therapy session.
2. An aquatic therapist leading a group of patients with arthritis in a water resistance therapy session.
3. A neuro-rehabilitation specialist guiding a group of stroke survivors through therapeutic exercises to restore functional ability.
4. A therapist overseeing a group of patients with spinal cord injuries during a group neuro-rehabilitation session.
5. A provider leading a group of patients with similar post-surgical recovery needs in a pool exercise therapy session.
6. A therapist supervising and directing a group of patients with chronic pain in a therapeutic exercise session.
7. A healthcare professional guiding a group of patients with balance disorders through vestibular rehabilitation exercises.
8. A therapist leading a group of patients with Parkinson’s disease in a group neuro-rehabilitation session.
9. A provider supervising and directing a group of patients with similar orthopedic conditions in an exercise therapy session.
10. A therapist guiding a group of patients with multiple sclerosis through therapeutic exercises to improve mobility and function.