Intro to CPT Codes: PT and OT (Modalities and Miscellaneous)

Presented by Rick Gawenda

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Video Runtime: 52 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 27 Minutes

This course will discuss how the monetary value of a CPT code is determined and what the relative value units are that make up the three components of a CPT code. In addition, this course will teach participants the supervised and constant attendance modality CPT codes, as well as the strapping, range-of-motion testing, canalith repositioning, dry needling, and biofeedback for pelvic health CPT codes used by physical and occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, and occupational therapy assistants.

Learning Objectives
  • List the three relative value units of a CPT code
  • Calculate how your geographic region has an impact on your payment for each CPT code
  • Examine which modality CPT codes require supervision versus constant attendance
  • Determine the difference between strapping and kinesiotaping
  • Determine when you can bill for canalith repositioning
  • Analyze three ways that an insurance carrier reimburses for outpatient therapy services

Meet your instructor

Rick Gawenda

Rick Gawenda is founder and president of Gawenda Seminars & Consulting, Inc. He graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from Wayne State University in Detroit. Rick is director of finance for a physical therapist–owned private practice with multiple offices located in Southern California. In addition,…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Determining the Monetary Value of a CPT Code

1. Determining the Monetary Value of a CPT Code

This chapter will teach participants how the Medicare program and other insurance carriers determine the monetary value for each CPT code billed by therapy providers. The chapter will also discuss the geographic cost price index and how payment from the Medicare program for outpatient therapy varies depending on your geographic location.

Supervised Modality Codes

2. Supervised Modality Codes

This chapter will teach participants the supervised modality codes used by physical and occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, and occupational therapy assistants. Examples of each modality will be provided to assist the therapist or assistant in determining the proper code to bill based on the modality provided.

Constant Attendance Modality Codes

3. Constant Attendance Modality Codes

This chapter will teach participants the constant attendance modality codes used by physical and occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, and occupational therapy assistants. Examples of each modality will be provided to assist the therapist or assistant in determining the proper code to bill based on the modality provided.

Strapping, ROM, Dry Needling, Biofeedback, and Canalith Repositioning CPT Codes

4. Strapping, ROM, Dry Needling, Biofeedback, and Canalith Repositioning CPT Codes

This chapter will teach participants the strapping CPT codes used by physical and occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, and occupational therapy assistants. The chapter will explain the difference between strapping and kineseotaping. The chapter will also teach participants the canalith repositioning CPT code and the manual muscle testing and range-of-motion CPT codes.