The Importance of the New Caregiver Codes in Occupational Therapy

Credentials Display

Jayna Niblock, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, BCP; Elizabeth G. Hunter, PhD, OTR/L; Carli DiMeo, OTD, OTR/L; Jackson Miller, OTD, OTR/L; Manali George, OTD, OTR/L; Allison M. Martin, PhD; Samantha M. Barefoot, OTD, MOT, OTR/L, BCPR

Abstract

Occupational therapists play a critical role in supporting caregivers, a role that continues to grow with the rising number of unpaid family caregivers. Evidence shows that occupational therapists-led caregiver interventions, ranging from skills training to problem-solving and environmental modifications, significantly improve both caregiver and client outcomes. In 2024 and 2025, new Caregiver Training Services (CTS) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were introduced, enabling occupational therapists to bill and allowing for reimbursement of caregiver education directly tied to client goals. While these codes offer a transformative opportunity to formalize and fund caregiver support, their adoption has been limited because of billing confusion, administrative barriers, and limited occupational therapists awareness. This article outlines the scope, usage, and current implementation challenges of CTS codes, calling for broader advocacy, education, and research. Increased use and awareness of these codes is essential to ensure sustainable reimbursement and to elevate caregiver-focused occupational therapy as a standard of care across practice settings.

Comments

The authors declare that they have no competing financial, professional, or personal interest that might have influenced the performance or presentation of the work described in this manuscript.

Recommended Citation

Niblock, J., Hunter, E. G., DiMeo, C., Miller, J., George, M., Martin, A. M., & Barefoot, S. M. (2026). The Importance of the New Caregiver Codes in Occupational Therapy. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 14(4), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2540