What does CPT code 97530?

Asked by: Earline Stokes  |  Last update: March 7, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (14 votes)

The CPT definition of 97530 is “[t]herapeutic activities, direct (one-on-one) patient contact (use of dynamic activities to improve functional performance), each 15 minutes.”

What is cpt code 97530 used for?

The APTA defines procedure code 97530 as “the use of dynamic activities to improve functional performance.” Within this definition, “functional” and “dynamic activities” do a lot of heavy lifting. If you think about it long enough, you could fit essentially any treatment into this category.

What are dynamic activities to improve functional performance?

Dynamic activities to improve functional performance refers to a series of movements to perform specific functions. The series of movements is therapeutic in nature; it is planned and specific.

How often can 97530 be billed?

CPT code 97530, a time-based code, involves direct one-on-one patient contact by the provider, utilizing dynamic activities to improve functional performance, with each 15 minutes constituting a billing increment.

What is the difference between 97110 and 97530?

For example, use 97110 for conditions like muscle weakness or joint stiffness. For 97530, link to broader functional limitations such as difficulty lifting or maintaining balance.

CPT Code 97110 vs CPT Code 97530 | Medicare Billing & Documentation

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How much does Medicare pay for 97530?

Neuromuscular reeducation (97112) drops by 2.35% (from $36.09 to $35.34), while CPT code 97530, for therapeutic activities, sees a 2.45% decrease from its 2020 level of $40.42 to $39.43 in 2021.

What is CPT code 97110 used for?

CPT 97110: Therapeutic Exercise

CPT code 97110 is defined as “therapeutic exercises to develop strength, endurance, range of motion and flexibility.” It applies to a single or multiple body parts, and requires direct contact with a qualified healthcare professional.

How much is CPT code 97530?

It's important to note that some of the CPT codes listed above are timed, meaning that physical therapists can bill more than 1 unit, depending on the amount of time devoted to the activity. For example, Therapeutic Activities (97530) is a timed service meaning that PTs can charge $40.42 for every 15 minute unit.

What is neuromuscular reeducation?

Neuromuscular reeducation deals with retraining the brain and spinal cord in voluntary and reflex motor activities. Basic principles of neuromuscular physiology are applied clinically in the treatment of muscle paresis and paralysis.

Does 97530 need a modifier?

The therapist can bill for CPT code 97530 with modifier 59 added on, as long as the services were performed during separate 15-minute increments. GP/GO/GN Modifier: In an interdisciplinary setting, this modifier may be used to clarify who provided the services.

Can you bill 97112 and 97530 together?

Do not bill for CPT codes 97110, 97112, 97116 or 97530 for the same time period. Ultrasound with electrical stimulation provided concurrently (e.g., Medcosound, Rich-Mar devices), should be billed as ultrasound (97035).

What is an example of a functional activity?

Advanced functional activities include more complex tasks that require higher levels of coordination and cognitive function. Examples include cooking, managing finances, and using public transportation. These activities help patients integrate back into their communities and regain a sense of normalcy.

What is an example of functional performance?

Examples of current levels of functional performance would include results of social/emotional rating scales or other assessments, and observations of problems the students has with task refusal, test anxiety, inability to speak in front of a group, or lack of skills interacting with a group.

What counts as therapeutic activity?

Therapeutic activities cover a wide range of functional activities, such as squatting, ascending/descending stairs, walking, bending, lifting, catching, throwing, pushing, pulling, etc.

Can a chiropractor bill 97530?

2. CPT 97530 – Therapeutic Activities. When chiropractors engage patients in dynamic activities to improve functional abilities, CPT 97530 comes into play. This code covers a spectrum of therapeutic exercises, ranging from range of motion exercises to neuromuscular reeducation.

What is the difference between therapeutic exercise and neuromuscular reeducation?

Therapeutic exercise is a lower complexity activity for the patient, whereas neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic activities is a higher complexity activity and requires the documentation to support it as such.

What are examples of neuromuscular exercises?

Neuromuscular Training
  • Medicine Ball Squat-n-Toss. Increases power, reaction, and coordination. ...
  • Dead Weight Medicine Ball Slams. Increases power. ...
  • Balance and Reach. Increases balance and coordination. ...
  • Medicine Ball Balance & Chop. Increases balance and coordination. ...
  • Mini Hurdle Challenge. ...
  • Agility Ring Hops. ...
  • POWER Squat.

What can be billed under neuromuscular reeducation?

CPT code 97112 refers to the therapeutic procedure of neuromuscular re-education. It involves the use of various techniques and exercises aimed at improving coordination, proprioception, balance, posture, kinesthetic sense, and motor control.

Is stretching considered neuromuscular reeducation?

They improve balance, strength, flexibility, and coordination in the body. Treatment could include manual techniques, progressive stretches, breathing techniques, or manipulations.

What documentation is required for CPT code 97530?

What documentation is required for CPT Code 97530? Proper documentation should include objective measurements of loss of function, examples of prior and current levels of function, specific activities performed, and the type of assistance required.

Is CPT 97530 a timed code?

CPT Code 97530 can have a significant impact on reimbursement rates, as it is a time-based code that allows therapists to bill for the amount of time spent providing therapeutic activities.

Do you pay for CPT?

No. There is no cost to the student for the CPT application.

What is the CPT code 99213?

CPT® code 99213: Established patient office visit, 20-29 minutes | American Medical Association.

What is an example of 97112?

CPT code 97112 is used to bill skilled therapy interventions that aim to improve motor function through neuromuscular reeducation. It includes interventions such as balance reeducation, movement coordination, and kinesthetic sense training for sitting and standing activities.

How to bill for exercise therapy?

CPT® code 97110: Therapy procedure using exercise to develop strength, endurance, range of motion and flexibility, each 15 minutes. As the authority on the CPT® code set, the AMA is providing the top-searched codes to help remove obstacles and burdens that interfere with patient care.