MAJOR MILESTONE: AMA CPT Editorial Panel Accepts New Biofeedback Coding Structure

[Leslie Sherlin, PhD]

 

The International Society for Neuroregulation & Research (ISNR), in partnership with the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB) and the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) is pleased to announce significant progress in our ongoing advocacy efforts to modernize CPT coding for biofeedback and neurofeedback services.  Key Development: The American Medical Association (AMA) CPT Editorial Panel, at its September 2025 meeting, “ accepted the addition of code 90X03 for reporting biofeedback services and new guidelines, and revision of code 90901”. These changes are scheduled to take effect in January 2027. Background and Significance: This acceptance represents a critical step forward in a multi-year collaborative effort between ISNR, AAPB, and BCIA. Since 1998, CPT code 90901 has served as a non-specific "biofeedback by any modality" code, combining multiple biofeedback modalities, including EEG neurofeedback, into a single billing code. While functional, as it currently reads, it has not adequately captured the complexity, variation, and clinical sophistication of modern biofeedback and neuroregulation services. What This Means: Updated Guidelines: New coding guidelines will better reflect contemporary biofeedback practice and the diverse modalities used by practitioners Improved Accuracy: More precise coding will allow for better documentation of services provided Enhanced Recognition: This update acknowledges the history and evolution of biofeedback as a therapeutic modality Reimbursement Implications: While the final impact on CMS reimbursement rates will be determined through the RVS Update Committee (RUC) process, the improved coding structure positions the field for more appropriate valuation of services. Timeline and Next Steps: Per AMA protocols, specific code numbers and exact wording will not be finalized until just prior to publication. The information contained in the September 2025 Summary of Panel Actions is limited by the CPT Confidentiality Agreement, and premature release of additional coding details is prohibited. Between now and the January 2027 effective date, ISNR, AAPB, and BCIA will: Monitor the RUC valuation process Provide member education on the new coding structure Continue advocacy for appropriate reimbursement recognition A Decade of Advocacy: This achievement represents years of persistent effort: 2016: Initial application submitted and postponed; regular attendance at AMA CPT Editorial Panel meetings began 2017: Continued representation at Panel meetings 2018-2019: An application was submitted for Category I CPT codes and withdrawn to revise 2020: CPT code 90911 revised to time-based codes (90912 and 90913) for pelvic floor biofeedback; And, a comprehensive application for Category I and Category III codes submitted and withdrawn to revise 2024: An application was submitted to revise 90901 and postponed 2025 : An application was resubmitted and acceptance of the new biofeedback code structure with updated guidelines Acknowledgments: ISNR extends gratitude to our partner organizations, to the countless volunteer advocates who attended Panel meetings, prepared applications, and provided clinical expertise, and to our members whose financial support made this sustained advocacy possible. Confidentiality Notice: In accordance with the CPT Confidentiality Agreement, disclosure of Panel actions is limited to information contained in the Summary of Actions. Additional details regarding code structure, definitions, and guidelines will be released in coordination with the full CPT 2027 publication.   Leslie Sherlin, PhD, PhD, MAC, MSc, MAPH, LPC-S, CMPC, NCC, BCC, BCNL, BCBL, ECP, QEEGDL, CTP President, International Society for Neuroregulation and Research.

 

[Cindy Perlin]

Thank you for your efforts.

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[Mike Griffin]

This is wonderful news.  Thanks ISNR.

J. Michael Griffin, Ed.D., Ph.D., BCN, qEEG-D

Brain Enhancement & Consulting Services

600 Bilyeu St.

Overture Centennial, Apt. 111

Raleigh, NC  27606

 

Cell Phone:  (252) 203-1743

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[STEVEN WARNER]

Congratulations and profound thanks for your time, effort and dedication.

Steve

Steven Warner, PhD BCN QEEG-DL

Sent from my iPhone 

On Oct 6, 2025, at 5:07 PM, 'Mike Griffin' via ISNR_Members_Forum <isnr_memb...@googlegroups.com> wrote:



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[Erik Olesen]

Thank you so much for your important work in this area

Erik

Erik Olesen, MS, LMFT

Licensed Psychotherapist and Coach 

Corporate Consultant

Board Certified in Biofeedback and 

  in Neurofeedback

Author of:

Mastering the Winds of Change

(Published by HarperBusiness)

www.auburncatherapy.com

11768 Atwood Road, Suite 109
Auburn, California  95603

(530) 885-COPE (2673)

On Oct 6, 2025, at 1:45 PM, Leslie Sherlin, PhD <les...@drsherlin.com> wrote:



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[Merlyn Hurd PhD]

Thank you . Your continual efforts are greatly appreciated.

Merlyn  Hurd PhD QEEG-D

~~

MERLYN HURD PHD, PSYCHOLOGIST, P.C.,QEEG DL BCB BCN  Senior Fellow

New York State Licensed Psychologist 7301

BCIA Board Certified Neurotherapist and Biofeedback therapist  Senior Fellow

IQCB Board Certified QEEG Diplomate Licensed analyst

Former Chairperson of the International QEEG Certification Board

Former editor of International Society of Neurofeedback & Research's Newsletter NeuroConnections

Chapter author in Handbook of Clinical EEG and Neurotherapy

Chapter author in Neurofeedback the First Fifty Years

Chapter author in 3^rd Edition: Introduction of QEEG and Neurofeedback

Co author of International QEEG Certification Board Guidelines for QEEG.

Presentor at many ISNR, Neurofield, and HeadStart conferences

928 Broadway, Suite 305

New York, New York 10010

1(212)-807-8690

nyneurofeedback.com

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