How To Use CPT Code 97533

CPT 97533 describes the use of sensory integrative techniques to enhance sensory processing and promote adaptive responses to environmental demands. 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 97533?

CPT 97533 can be used to describe the use of sensory integrative techniques by a provider to improve the way the brain processes and adapts to sensory information. This code is used when the provider works one-on-one with a patient who has an irregular reactivity to their sensory world, such as children with autism or brain injuries. The provider uses various tools and stimuli, such as soft brushes, carpets, scooter boards, ramps, swings, and bounce pads, to stimulate the patient’s senses and help them learn how to process and respond to the stimuli.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 97533 is: ‘Sensory integrative techniques to enhance sensory processing and promote adaptive responses to environmental demands, direct (one-on-one) patient contact, each 15 minutes.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider assesses the patient’s sensory processing dysfunction and determines the need for sensory integrative techniques.
2. The provider selects appropriate tools and stimuli, such as brushes, carpets, scooter boards, ramps, swings, and bounce pads, to stimulate the patient’s senses.
3. The provider works one-on-one with the patient, using the selected tools and stimuli to elicit tactile sensations and help the patient learn how to process and respond to the stimuli.
4. The provider may modify the sensory integrative techniques based on the patient’s specific needs and progress.
5. Each session lasts for 15 minutes, and additional sessions may be scheduled as needed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 97533 services are those with established dysfunction of sensory processing, such as children with autism or brain injuries. The provider must work with the patient one-on-one to improve their sensory processing and adaptive responses to environmental demands. Sensory integrative techniques involve the use of various tools and stimuli to stimulate the patient’s senses and help them learn how to process and respond to sensory information effectively.

5. When to use CPT code 97533

CPT code 97533 should be used when a provider works one-on-one with a patient to enhance sensory processing and promote adaptive responses to environmental demands using sensory integrative techniques. This code should be used for each 15-minute session provided to the patient.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 97533, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for sensory integrative techniques
• Specific tools and stimuli used during the session
• Date, start and end time of each 15-minute session
• Progress made by the patient and any modifications to the techniques
• Signature of the provider providing the service

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 97533, ensure that the provider works directly with the patient one-on-one for each 15-minute session. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 97533 with other codes. However, it is important to accurately document the services provided and ensure that they are medically necessary and supported by the patient’s diagnosis.

8. Historical information

CPT 97533 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. The code was later changed on January 1, 2013, to include the provider’s direct (one-on-one) patient contact in the description.

9. Examples

1. A provider using sensory integrative techniques to help a child with autism improve their sensory processing and adaptive responses to environmental demands.
2. A provider working with a patient who has a brain injury to enhance their sensory processing and promote adaptive responses using sensory integrative techniques.
3. A provider using various tools and stimuli to stimulate the senses of a child with sensory processing dysfunction and help them learn how to process and respond to sensory information effectively.
4. A provider working with a patient with autism to improve their sensory processing and adaptive responses to environmental demands through sensory integrative techniques.
5. A provider using sensory integrative techniques to assist a patient with brain injury in enhancing their sensory processing and promoting adaptive responses to environmental demands.
6. A provider working with a child with sensory processing dysfunction to improve their sensory processing and adaptive responses using sensory integrative techniques.
7. A provider using sensory integrative techniques to stimulate the senses of a patient with autism and help them learn how to process and respond to sensory information effectively.
8. A provider working with a patient who has a brain injury to enhance their sensory processing and promote adaptive responses through sensory integrative techniques.
9. A provider using various tools and stimuli to improve the sensory processing and adaptive responses of a child with sensory processing dysfunction.
10. A provider working with a patient with autism to enhance their sensory processing and promote adaptive responses using sensory integrative techniques.