Caregiver Training

Caregiver training without the patient present is now a covered service under Medicare.

Code Definition:

Caregiver training in strategies and techniques to facilitate the patient's functional performance in the home or community (e.g., activities of daily living [ADLs], instrumental ADLs [IADLs], transfers, mobility, communication, swallowing, feeding, problem-solving, safety practices) (without the patient present), face-to-face; initial 30 minutes (97550) and each subsequent 15 minutes (97551).

Why?

• There are situations where the patient’s presence at the caregiver training may impede caregiver skill acquisition;

• The presence of the patient may negatively impact the practitioner-patient relationship;

• The patient’s medical condition may be such that they are physically or cognitively unable to participate in the caregiver session. 

How  

• Can be performed by all disciplines including therapists and assistants;

• No indication that it cannot be performed via telehealth;

• Each discipline has a Chart Template for Caregiver Training with the codes added;

• Schedule the training session > Add Chart Template > Write your summary > Sign Off!

If the patient is present, the most appropriate code is 97535 – Self Care/Home Management Training