CPT code 97551: Caregiver training, each additional 15 minutes2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Puerto Rico
Report this add-on for each additional 15 minutes of individual caregiver training after the initial caregiver training service for functional performance.
In Puerto Rico, Medicare pays $26.14 for 97551 in the office and $21.08 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 97551 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
What 97551 covers
A qualified health professional provides face-to-face instruction to a patient's caregiver, without the patient present, on strategies and techniques that support the patient's functional performance at home or in the community. Training may address how to assist with daily activities or carry out techniques needed to support the patient's function. It is used in rehabilitation care when the caregiver needs additional instruction beyond the initial training service.
Report 97551 only with the primary caregiver-training service, 97550, for each additional 15 minutes beyond its initial training. Document the caregiver training provided, its connection to the patient's functional goals, and the time spent supporting the additional units. CMS classifies 97551 as an add-on code: it is billed only with a primary procedure, and payment is handled within that procedure's global period.
This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.
How Puerto Rico compares for 97551
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 97551 runs from $24.92 in Arkansas to $35.59 in Alaska. Puerto Rico pays $26.14. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Puerto Rico · this page$26.14
- Los Angeles, CA · California$28.26+$2.12
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$28.45+$2.31
- Miami, FL · Florida$26.38+$0.24
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$26.22+$0.08
- Manhattan, NY · New York$28.51+$2.37
- Alaska · Alaska$35.59+$9.45
Other areas in Puerto Rico first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $25.05 | $20.67 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $24.92 | $20.62 |
| ArizonaArizona | $25.80 | $20.95 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $27.16 | $21.67 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $27.13 | $21.64 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $27.13 | $21.64 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $27.13 | $21.64 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $27.13 | $21.64 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $27.13 | $21.64 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $27.13 | $21.64 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $27.13 | $21.64 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $29.74 | $23.13 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $28.02 | $22.09 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $27.13 | $21.64 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $27.13 | $21.64 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $27.15 | $21.66 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $28.01 | $22.18 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $27.89 | $22.08 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $28.16 | $22.17 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $31.05 | $23.99 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $31.05 | $23.99 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $31.58 | $24.36 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $31.58 | $24.36 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $27.47 | $21.77 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $28.15 | $22.07 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $27.89 | $22.05 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $28.42 | $22.27 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $27.13 | $21.64 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $29.74 | $23.13 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $27.13 | $21.64 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $27.13 | $21.64 |
| ColoradoColorado | $26.78 | $21.45 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $27.03 | $21.63 |
| DelawareDelaware | $26.05 | $21.10 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $26.16 | $21.08 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $25.70 | $20.91 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $26.24 | $21.14 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $25.19 | $20.72 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $27.15 | $21.45 |
| IowaIowa | $25.37 | $20.79 |
| IdahoIdaho | $25.41 | $20.80 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $25.41 | $20.80 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $25.36 | $20.78 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $26.40 | $21.25 |
| IndianaIndiana | $25.47 | $20.82 |
| KansasKansas | $25.28 | $20.75 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $25.16 | $20.71 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $25.58 | $20.87 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $25.13 | $20.70 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $28.35 | $22.37 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $26.77 | $21.49 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $26.93 | $21.55 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $26.33 | $21.26 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $25.41 | $20.80 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $25.98 | $21.02 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $25.77 | $20.94 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $25.36 | $20.78 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $26.29 | $21.13 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $25.56 | $20.86 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $25.67 | $20.90 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $24.95 | $20.63 |
| MississippiMississippi | $24.94 | $20.62 |
| MontanaMontana | $26.05 | $21.04 |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $25.52 | $20.84 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $26.05 | $21.04 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $25.44 | $20.81 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $26.38 | $21.17 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $28.47 | $22.66 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $27.51 | $22.04 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $25.39 | $20.79 |
| NevadaNevada | $26.06 | $21.05 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $28.72 | $22.77 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $27.63 | $22.14 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $28.67 | $22.74 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $25.65 | $20.89 |
| OhioOhio | $25.36 | $20.78 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $25.19 | $20.72 |
| Portland, OROregon | $27.23 | $21.66 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $26.02 | $21.03 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $26.71 | $21.49 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $25.40 | $20.80 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $26.66 | $21.48 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $25.44 | $20.81 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $26.05 | $21.04 |
| TennesseeTennessee | $25.32 | $20.77 |
| Austin, TXTexas | $26.55 | $21.25 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $25.33 | $20.77 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $26.12 | $21.16 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $26.18 | $21.19 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $26.10 | $21.16 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $26.14 | $21.17 |
| Houston, TXTexas | $26.14 | $21.17 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $25.64 | $20.89 |
| UtahUtah | $25.57 | $20.86 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $25.92 | $20.99 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $26.14 | $21.08 |
| VermontVermont | $25.97 | $21.01 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $26.71 | $21.44 |
| King County, WAWashington | $28.77 | $22.63 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $25.72 | $20.92 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $25.00 | $20.65 |
| WyomingWyoming | $26.05 | $21.04 |
97551 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
Explore a state
Local rates. Clear comparisons.
Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.
$24.92
$35.59
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $35.59 | 1 |
| AL | $25.05 | 1 |
| AR | $24.92 | 1 |
| AZ | $25.80 | 1 |
| CA | $27.13–$31.58 | 29 |
| CO | $26.78 | 1 |
| CT | $27.03 | 1 |
| DC | $28.45 | 1 |
| DE | $26.05 | 1 |
| FL | $25.70–$26.38 | 3 |
| GA | $25.19–$26.24 | 2 |
| GU | $27.15 | 1 |
| HI | $27.15 | 1 |
| IA | $25.37 | 1 |
| ID | $25.41 | 1 |
| IL | $25.36–$26.40 | 4 |
| IN | $25.47 | 1 |
| KS | $25.28 | 1 |
| KY | $25.16 | 1 |
| LA | $25.13–$25.58 | 2 |
| MA | $26.77–$28.35 | 2 |
| MD | $26.33–$28.45 | 3 |
| ME | $25.41–$25.98 | 2 |
| MI | $25.36–$25.77 | 2 |
| MN | $26.29 | 1 |
| MO | $24.95–$25.67 | 3 |
| MS | $24.94 | 1 |
| MT | $26.05 | 1 |
| NC | $25.52 | 1 |
| ND | $26.05 | 1 |
| NE | $25.44 | 1 |
| NH | $26.38 | 1 |
| NJ | $27.51–$28.47 | 2 |
| NM | $25.39 | 1 |
| NV | $26.06 | 1 |
| NY | $25.65–$28.72 | 5 |
| OH | $25.36 | 1 |
| OK | $25.19 | 1 |
| OR | $26.02–$27.23 | 2 |
| PA | $25.40–$26.71 | 2 |
| PR | $26.14 | 1 |
| RI | $26.66 | 1 |
| SC | $25.44 | 1 |
| SD | $26.05 | 1 |
| TN | $25.32 | 1 |
| TX | $25.33–$26.55 | 8 |
| UT | $25.57 | 1 |
| VA | $25.92–$28.45 | 2 |
| VI | $26.14 | 1 |
| VT | $25.97 | 1 |
| WA | $26.71–$28.77 | 2 |
| WI | $25.72 | 1 |
| WV | $25.00 | 1 |
| WY | $26.05 | 1 |
How the 97551 rate is calculated
Each of 97551’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.
How the rate is built · 97551
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.54
0.54 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense0.24
0.24 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.00
0.00 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
0.7800
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$26.05
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Puerto Rico inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
12,897
- Code
- 97551
- Physician work
- 0.54
- Practice expense
- 0.24
- Malpractice
- 0.00
GPCI2026.csv
91
- Locality
- Puerto Rico
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 1.011
- Malpractice
- 0.985
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.54 | × 1.000 | 0.5400 |
| Practice expense | 0.24 | × 1.011 | 0.2426 |
| Malpractice | 0.00 | × 0.985 | 0.0000 |
| Total RVUs | 0.7826 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Puerto Rico$26.14
Office: (0.54 × 1 + 0.24 × 1.011 + 0 × 0.985) × $33.4009 = $26.14
Facility: (0.54 × 1 + 0.09 × 1.011 + 0 × 0.985) × $33.4009 = $21.08
Payment rules and modifiers for 97551
The CMS indicators that decide how 97551 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 97551
Caregiver training, each additional 15 minutes
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | ZZZ | Add-on code: falls within the primary procedure’s global period. |
| Multiple procedures | 0 | No multiple-procedure reduction. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 0 | The 150% bilateral adjustment doesn’t apply. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 0 | Not paid without supporting documentation. |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 0 | Physician service: no professional/technical split. |
How 97551 has changed in Puerto Rico
97551 · Office / nonfacility
$26.14
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $0.54 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $25.60 to $26.14 (2.1%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.
What changed, release by release
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$25.60changed to$26.14
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Malpractice RVU 0.01 changed to 0.00
- Practice expense GPCI 1.007 changed to 1.011
- Malpractice GPCI 0.982 changed to 0.985
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$26.35changed to$25.60
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$25.92changed to$26.35
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
No ratechanged to$25.92
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: No rate
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D, RVU14A, RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D, RVU15A, RVU15B, RVU15C, RVU15D, RVU16A, RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D, RVU17A, RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D, RVU18AR1, RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D, RVU19A, RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D, RVU20A, RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D, RVU21A, RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D, RVU22A, RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D, RVU23A, RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $26.14 | $21.08 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $26.14 | $21.08 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $26.14 | $21.08 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $26.14 | $21.08 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $25.60 | $23.97 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $25.60 | $23.97 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $25.60 | $23.97 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $25.60 | $23.97 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $26.35 | $24.34 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $26.35 | $24.34 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $26.35 | $24.34 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $26.35 | $24.34 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $25.92 | $23.94 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13AR |
Where the Puerto Rico rate applies
Puerto Rico is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 292 cities and communities in Puerto Rico. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Aceitunas
- Adjuntas
- Aguada
- Aguadilla
- Aguas Buenas
- Aguas Claras
- Aguilita
- Aibonito
97551 billing questions
When should 97551 be used instead of 97550?
Use 97550 for the initial 30 minutes of individual caregiver training. Report 97551 for each additional 15 minutes of that training.
Can 97551 be billed by itself?
No. It is an add-on code and must be reported with the primary caregiver-training service, 97550.
Does the patient need to be present?
No. This caregiver-training service is provided face-to-face with the caregiver without the patient present.
How should the additional units be supported?
Document the caregiver instruction, the functional goal it supports, and the additional training time. The code represents each additional 15 minutes.
How does 97551 differ from group caregiver training?
97551 adds time to individual caregiver training reported with 97550. Use 97552 for group caregiver training.
Where these rates come from
FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.
CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027
Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
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