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2025 CPT code 97150

Therapeutic procedure(s), group (2 or more individuals).The physician or therapist provides supervision and instruction to a group of patients performing therapeutic exercises.

Report each distinct therapeutic procedure performed.Do not append modifier 51 to codes 97010-97763.For timed codes, accurate time spent with each patient must be documented.Code 97150 is reported for the untimed period of supervision and observation. Modifier 97 may be appended if the service is provided by a physical therapist assistant (PTA) or occupational therapy assistant (OTA).

Modifiers 97 (unskilled services furnished incident to a physician's services) may be applicable depending on the provider type and payer requirements. Other modifiers might apply to indicate separate procedures or other specific circumstances; consult relevant coding guidelines for details.

Medical necessity is established by demonstrating the need for therapeutic intervention to improve, develop, or restore impaired body functions due to illness, injury, or surgery.The appropriateness of group therapy must be justified based on patients sharing similar diagnoses, goals, and therapeutic needs.

The physician or other qualified healthcare professional (e.g., physical therapist, occupational therapist) is responsible for designing, implementing, demonstrating, supervising, and modifying the therapeutic program for the group. They must be in constant attendance, providing clinical expertise and feedback throughout the session.

IMPORTANT:Do not report 97150 in conjunction with 97154, 97158.For manipulation under general anesthesia, see the appropriate anatomic section in the Musculoskeletal System. For osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), see 98925-98929.For biofeedback training by EMG, use 90901. For transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS), use 97014 (supervision only) or 97032 (constant attendance).

In simple words: This code describes a therapy session where a doctor or therapist works with a group of two or more patients.The patients do exercises or other therapies together, with the doctor or therapist watching and giving guidance throughout.The patients in the group may be doing different exercises but have similar needs.

This CPT code, 97150, reports therapeutic procedures performed in a group of two or more individuals.The procedures may include aquatic therapy, conditioning therapies, or exercise therapy.A physician or licensed therapist must be in constant attendance, providing introductory instructions and ongoing observation, clinical expertise, and feedback.Modifications or progressions to the therapy program are made as needed. The code applies to an untimed period of observation and assistance.If used with additional therapeutic procedure codes, clear documentation must support that group and individual procedures occurred during separate time periods.The individuals in the group may perform identical or different activities, but there should be a common, unifying element among them (e.g., similar surgery, shared therapeutic goals).

Example 1: A physical therapist leads a group of five post-knee replacement patients in aquatic therapy exercises focusing on range of motion and strengthening. The therapist provides initial instructions to the group and then closely monitors each patient, providing individual adjustments as needed., An occupational therapist conducts a group session for three patients recovering from strokes. The patients participate in various exercises to improve fine motor skills and upper extremity function. The therapist guides the patients through each exercise, providing specific feedback and modifications based on individual needs and progress., A physician designs a group exercise program for six patients recovering from low back injuries. The physician then supervises certified athletic trainers as they lead the patients through a progressive exercise program in a gym setting. The physician periodically assesses the patients' progress and modifies the program as needed.

Documentation must support medical necessity, the type(s) of therapy performed, and all specific therapy details for each patient.If used with additional therapeutic procedure codes, separate time periods for group and individual procedures must be clearly documented.Progress notes detailing patient participation, therapist interventions, and responses to therapy are essential.Patient specific goals, measurable outcomes, and the rationale for group therapy should also be documented.

** The physician or other qualified health care professional must be in constant attendance during the group therapy session but is not required to provide one-on-one contact with each patient. The use of 97150 with other therapeutic procedure codes requires clear documentation to distinguish the separate time periods for group and individual therapies.

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