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Official Description

Virtual reality technology to assist therapy (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Assistive virtual reality (VR) technology is utilized as a therapeutic tool to enhance behavioral therapy, particularly for individuals with developmental and mental health disorders. This innovative approach allows users to engage in a controlled and safe environment where they can focus their attention and practice essential skills. The VR system is designed to help users learn to mimic or imitate gestures, which is crucial for improving language, communication, and social interaction abilities. Commonly, this technology is employed for patients diagnosed with conditions such as autism or Asperger’s syndrome. Prior to the application of the VR headpiece, the therapist provides a thorough explanation of the device and the experience it offers to ensure the patient is comfortable and understands the process. Once the software program is initiated, the therapist closely monitors the patient's interactions throughout the exercises, ready to intervene as necessary to facilitate the completion of the teaching module. This structured approach not only aids in skill development but also fosters a supportive learning environment tailored to the needs of the individual.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The use of virtual reality technology in therapy is indicated for various conditions and symptoms, particularly those related to developmental and mental health disorders. The following are the primary indications for this procedure:

  • Developmental Disorders Individuals with developmental disorders, such as autism, may benefit from VR technology to enhance their social skills and communication abilities.
  • Mental Health Disorders Patients with mental health disorders can utilize VR to engage in therapeutic exercises that promote behavioral improvements and coping strategies.
  • Social Interaction Challenges Those who struggle with social interactions can use VR to practice and improve their skills in a safe and controlled environment.

2. Procedure

The procedure involving the use of virtual reality technology for therapy consists of several key steps that ensure effective engagement and learning for the patient. Each step is crucial for the overall success of the therapy session.

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation Before initiating the therapy, the therapist prepares the patient by explaining the purpose and functionality of the VR headpiece. This step is essential to ensure that the patient feels comfortable and understands what to expect during the session.
  • Step 2: Application of VR Headpiece Once the patient is adequately informed, the VR headpiece is carefully placed on the patient. This equipment is designed to immerse the user in a virtual environment that is conducive to learning and skill development.
  • Step 3: Initiation of Software Program After the headpiece is secured, the therapist starts the software program that contains various exercises tailored to the patient's needs. These exercises are designed to enhance behavioral therapy through interactive and engaging scenarios.
  • Step 4: Monitoring Patient Interactions Throughout the session, the therapist closely monitors the patient's interactions with the VR environment. This oversight is critical to ensure that the patient is engaging appropriately with the exercises and to assess their progress.
  • Step 5: Therapeutic Intervention If necessary, the therapist may intervene during the session to provide guidance or support. This intervention helps the patient navigate challenges and reinforces learning objectives, ensuring that the teaching module is completed effectively.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the virtual reality therapy session, the therapist may provide feedback to the patient regarding their performance and progress. It is important to discuss the experiences encountered during the session, as this reflection can enhance learning outcomes. Additionally, the therapist may recommend follow-up sessions or additional exercises to further develop the skills practiced in the VR environment. The overall recovery and adaptation process will vary based on the individual needs of the patient, and ongoing support may be necessary to reinforce the skills learned during therapy.

Short Descr VR TECHNOLOGY ASSIST THERAPY
Medium Descr VIRTUAL REALITY TECHNOLOGY TO ASSIST THERAPY
Long Descr Virtual reality technology to assist therapy (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 3 - Technical Component Only Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Non-Covered Service, not paid under OPPS
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE 1

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

90832 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Telemedicine Service (AMA) Audio-Only Telemedicine (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 Psychotherapy, 30 minutes with patient
90833 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Addon Code Telemedicine Service (AMA) Audio-Only Telemedicine (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Psychotherapy, 30 minutes with patient when performed with an evaluation and management service (List separately in addition to the code for primary procedure)
90834 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Telemedicine Service (AMA) Audio-Only Telemedicine (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient
90836 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Addon Code Telemedicine Service (AMA) Audio-Only Telemedicine (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient when performed with an evaluation and management service (List separately in addition to the code for primary procedure)
90837 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Telemedicine Service (AMA) Audio-Only Telemedicine (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with patient
90838 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Addon Code Telemedicine Service (AMA) Audio-Only Telemedicine (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with patient when performed with an evaluation and management service (List separately in addition to the code for primary procedure)
90847 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Telemedicine Service (AMA) Audio-Only Telemedicine (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Family psychotherapy (conjoint psychotherapy) (with patient present), 50 minutes
90849 MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Multiple-family group psychotherapy
90853 Telehealth Service (Medicare) MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Group psychotherapy (other than of a multiple-family group)
92507 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Audio-Only Telemedicine (AMA) Telemedicine Service (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC A PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Treatment of speech, language, voice, communication, and/or auditory processing disorder; individual
92508 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Audio-Only Telemedicine (AMA) Telemedicine Service (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC A PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Treatment of speech, language, voice, communication, and/or auditory processing disorder; group, 2 or more individuals
96158 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Audio-Only Telemedicine (AMA) Telemedicine Service (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 Health behavior intervention, individual, face-to-face; initial 30 minutes
96159 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Add-on Code Audio-Only Telemedicine (AMA) Telemedicine Service (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Health behavior intervention, individual, face-to-face; each additional 15 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary service)
96164 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Resequenced Code Audio-Only Telemedicine (AMA) Telemedicine Service (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 Health behavior intervention, group (2 or more patients), face-to-face; initial 30 minutes
96165 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Add-on Code Resequenced Code Audio-Only Telemedicine (AMA) Telemedicine Service (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Health behavior intervention, group (2 or more patients), face-to-face; each additional 15 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary service)
96167 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Resequenced Code Audio-Only Telemedicine (AMA) Telemedicine Service (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q3 Health behavior intervention, family (with the patient present), face-to-face; initial 30 minutes
96168 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Add-on Code Resequenced Code Audio-Only Telemedicine (AMA) Telemedicine Service (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Health behavior intervention, family (with the patient present), face-to-face; each additional 15 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary service)
96170 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Resequenced Code Audio-Only Telemedicine (AMA) Telemedicine Service (AMA) MPFS Status: Non-covered Service APC E1 Health behavior intervention, family (without the patient present), face-to-face; initial 30 minutes
96171 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Add-on Code Resequenced Code Audio-Only Telemedicine (AMA) Telemedicine Service (AMA) MPFS Status: Non-covered Service APC E1 Health behavior intervention, family (without the patient present), face-to-face; each additional 15 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary service)
97110 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Telemedicine Service (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC A PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Therapeutic procedure, 1 or more areas, each 15 minutes; therapeutic exercises to develop strength and endurance, range of motion and flexibility
97112 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Telemedicine Service (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC A PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Therapeutic procedure, 1 or more areas, each 15 minutes; neuromuscular reeducation of movement, balance, coordination, kinesthetic sense, posture, and/or proprioception for sitting and/or standing activities
97129 Telehealth Service (Medicare) MPFS Status: Active Code APC A Therapeutic interventions that focus on cognitive function (eg, attention, memory, reasoning, executive function, problem solving, and/or pragmatic functioning) and compensatory strategies to manage the performance of an activity (eg, managing time or schedules, initiating, organizing, and sequencing tasks), direct (one-on-one) patient contact; initial 15 minutes
97150 Telehealth Service (Medicare) MPFS Status: Active Code APC A PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Therapeutic procedure(s), group (2 or more individuals)
97153 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC Q3 Adaptive behavior treatment by protocol, administered by technician under the direction of a physician or other qualified health care professional, face-to-face with one patient, each 15 minutes
97154 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC Q3 Group adaptive behavior treatment by protocol, administered by technician under the direction of a physician or other qualified health care professional, face-to-face with two or more patients, each 15 minutes
97155 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC Q3 Adaptive behavior treatment with protocol modification, administered by physician or other qualified health care professional, which may include simultaneous direction of technician, face-to-face with one patient, each 15 minutes
97158 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC Q3 Group adaptive behavior treatment with protocol modification, administered by physician or other qualified health care professional, face-to-face with multiple patients, each 15 minutes
97530 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Telemedicine Service (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC A PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Therapeutic activities, direct (one-on-one) patient contact (use of dynamic activities to improve functional performance), each 15 minutes
97533 MPFS Status: Active Code APC A PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Sensory integrative techniques to enhance sensory processing and promote adaptive responses to environmental demands, direct (one-on-one) patient contact, each 15 minutes
97535 Telehealth Service (Medicare) Telemedicine Service (AMA) MPFS Status: Active Code APC A PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Self-care/home management training (eg, activities of daily living (ADL) and compensatory training, meal preparation, safety procedures, and instructions in use of assistive technology devices/adaptive equipment) direct one-on-one contact, each 15 minutes
97537 Telehealth Service (Medicare) MPFS Status: Active Code APC A PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Community/work reintegration training (eg, shopping, transportation, money management, avocational activities and/or work environment/modification analysis, work task analysis, use of assistive technology device/adaptive equipment), direct one-on-one contact, each 15 minutes
Date
Action
Notes
2023-01-01 Added Code added.
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