2025 CPT code 90901
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Medicine - Biofeedback Services and Procedures Medicine Services and Procedures Feed
Biofeedback training using any modality to control involuntary bodily functions.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service delivery. Consult the CPT manual and payer-specific guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity for biofeedback is established when it is determined to be a medically appropriate and necessary treatment for the patient's specific condition. Documentation should demonstrate that other less invasive treatments have been tried and were unsuccessful or are inappropriate for the patient, or that biofeedback is expected to yield superior outcomes in this particular case. Medical necessity reviews may vary by payer.
The clinician's responsibilities include selecting the appropriate biofeedback modality, applying the equipment, interpreting the physiological data, educating the patient on the feedback, and guiding the patient through relaxation and self-regulation techniques. The clinician must ensure the patient understands the process and actively participates in the therapy.
In simple words: This code covers training that teaches you to control things your body normally does without you thinking about it, like your heart rate or muscle tension.Special equipment measures these things and shows you how they change as you practice relaxation techniques. This helps manage problems like headaches, high blood pressure, or stress.
CPT code 90901 represents biofeedback training utilizing various modalities (e.g., thermal, EMG, EEG) to help patients regulate involuntary physiological functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and brainwaves.The procedure involves the application of biofeedback equipment to measure physiological responses, which are then displayed to the patient via visual or auditory cues.The clinician guides the patient in using these cues to learn self-regulation techniques. This training aims to improve patient control over these functions to manage a variety of conditions, including but not limited to: asthma, addiction, hypertension, chronic pain, depression, headaches, and incontinence.The duration of each session and the number of sessions required vary depending on the patient's condition and response to therapy.
Example 1: A patient with chronic tension headaches undergoes biofeedback training using EMG to learn to relax their neck and shoulder muscles.The therapist uses surface electrodes to measure muscle tension, displaying the readings on a monitor.The patient is guided in progressive muscle relaxation techniques, learning to identify and reduce muscle tension. Multiple sessions are provided over several weeks., A patient with hypertension participates in biofeedback training focused on heart rate variability.The therapist uses sensors to measure heart rate and rhythm, providing real-time feedback to the patient.The patient learns breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to regulate heart rate and reduce blood pressure. The patient also receives education on lifestyle modifications to support blood pressure management., A patient recovering from a stroke receives biofeedback therapy for upper extremity spasticity.EMG biofeedback is used to monitor muscle activity in the affected arm. The patient practices range-of-motion exercises, using the visual feedback to control muscle activation and improve motor function. This therapy is integrated into their overall rehabilitation plan, working collaboratively with other therapists.
Detailed documentation should include the type of biofeedback modality used (e.g., EMG, EEG, thermal), the specific physiological parameters monitored, the patient's response to the feedback, the techniques taught, the number and duration of sessions, and any progress noted.Clinical notes should also specify the patient's diagnosis and the rationale for using biofeedback as a treatment modality.Pre- and post-treatment assessments should be documented.
** Biofeedback modalities should not be billed separately if applied consecutively within the same session.Combination with other therapeutic exercises within the same 15-minute interval may be permissible, depending on the clinical context.The time spent on biofeedback training is not a direct factor for billing this code.
- Revenue Code: M5D (SPECIALIST - OTHER)
- RVU: Information not available in provided text.Consult the AMA CPT codebook or other relevant fee schedule for RVU data.
- Global Days: Not applicable.This is not a surgical procedure.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.This is not a procedure with distinct professional and technical components.
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in provided text.Consult historical fee schedules from relevant payers.
- Specialties:Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology, Psychology, Psychiatry
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient), Clinic, Physical Therapy Clinic, Pain Management Clinic, Ambulatory Surgical Center