During these difficult and uncertain times, psychotherapy and mental health services are more important and more in-demand than ever.
As such, psychotherapy medical billing guidelines are also more important than ever.
Whether you are a psychiatrist (MD), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), clinical psychologist (PsyD or PhD), or licensed professional counselor (LPC), CPT codes are how mental health professionals across the country get paid for their essential work.
Is your practice considering adding an additional office location or providing teletherapy services?
Will your EMR allow you to stay HIPAA compliant while incorporating Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services changes in behavioral health guidelines?
If so, it is crucial that your practice stays up to date on current changes in psychotherapy medical billing and coding.
Psychotherapy Medical Billing & Coding Guide for 2024
Neolytix has compiled this psychotherapy medical billing 101-guide to help mental health practices everywhere get up to speed with the new rules. This guide was written by our expert team of medical billers and coders. It examines core topics of psychotherapy medical billing and coding such as:
- The different types of CPT codes used in psychotherapy medical billing
- The definitions and requirements for each code
- Which healthcare providers bill for which codes
- Applicable modifiers for codes
- Rules of proper documentation
Psychotherapy notes are kept confidential and excluded from an individual’s right under HIPAA to access protected health information. However, the healthcare professional must maintain adequate documentation for each encounter.
As a growing mental health practice, your success hinges on understanding the ins and outs of psychotherapy medical billing.
This guide will show you how to do just that. It is based on ICD-10-CM, which took effect in October of 2023 and will apply for the calendar year 2024.
Table of Contents
Commonly Used CPT Codes in Psychotherapy Medical Billing
There are many CPT codes currently used by mental health professionals that can be reported under the following categories:
- Health Behavior Assessment and Intervention (CPT codes 96156-96171)
- Psychotherapy Codes (CPT codes 90832-90863)
- Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing Codes (CPT codes 96105-96146)
- Contact Us +1 224 529 4400
- Schedule A Free Consultation
Listed below are the most common psychotherapy CPT codes, as well as which healthcare professionals can report which codes.
This is not a comprehensive list of CPT codes. It is simply a general description of commonly performed mental health services.
| CPT Code | Descriptor | Healthcare Professional | Documentation Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Diagnostic Procedures | |||
| 90791 | Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation | MD, NPP, LMSW, LCSW, Licensed Psychologist, RN, LMHC, LMFT, LCAT |
• Elicitation of a complete medical and psychiatric history (including past, family, social) • Mental status examination • Establishment of an initial diagnosis • Evaluation of the patient’s ability and capacity to respond to treatment • Initial plan of treatment • Reported once per day and NOT on the same day as an E/M service performed by the same individual for the same patient • Covered once at the outset of an illness or suspected illness |
| 90792 | Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services | MD, NPP |
• Elicitation of a complete medical and psychiatric history (including past, family, social) • Mental status examination • Establishment of an initial diagnosis • Evaluation of the patient’s ability and capacity to respond to treatment’ • Initial plan of treatment • Reported once per day and ON the same day as an E/M service performed by the same individual for the same patient • Covered once at the outset of an illness or suspected illness |
| Psychiatric Diagnostic Procedures | |||
| CPT Code | Descriptor | Healthcare Professional | Documentation Requirements |
| 90875 | Interactive Complexity add-on code | MD/DO, PSY, CNSCNP, PA, LISW, LIMFT, LPCC, LSW, LMFT, LPC |
Include 90785 in addition to the primary procedure, when at least one of the following communication factors is present and documented during the visit: • The need to manage maladaptive communication (related to, e.g., high anxiety, high reactivity, repeated questions, or disagreement) among participants that complicates delivery of care. • Caregiver emotions or behaviors that interfere with implementation of the treatment plan. • Evidence or disclosure of a sentinel event and mandated report to a third party (e.g., abuse or neglect with report to state agency) with initiation of discussion of the sentinel event and/or report with patient and other visit participants. • Use of play equipment, physical devices, interpreter or translator to overcome barriers to diagnostic or therapeutic interaction with a patient who is not fluent in the same language or who has not developed or lost expressive or receptive language skills to use or understand typical language. |
| Psychotherapy | |||
| CPT Code | Descriptor | Healthcare Professional | Documentation Requirements |
| 90832 | Psychotherapy, 30 minutes with patient | MD, PA, RN, LCSW/LMSW |
Documentation to support psychotherapy should include, but is not limited to the following: • Time element as noted above • Modalities and frequency • Clinical notes for each encounter that summarizes the following: • Diagnosis • Symptoms • Functional status • Focused mental status examination • Treatment plan, prognosis, and progress • Name, signature and credentials of person performing the service. Documentation must support a face to face service. While it may include the involvement of family members, the patient MUST be present for all or some of the time. See CPT code 90846 for family visits without patient present. |
| 90834 | Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient | MD, PA, RN, LCSW/LMSW | Psychotherapy documentation as stated in 90832. |
| 90837 | Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with patient | MD, PA, RN, LCSW/LMSW | Psychotherapy documentation as stated in 90832. |
| 90845 | Psychoanalysis | MD | Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation is an integrated biopsychosocial assessment, including history, mental status, and recommendations. The evaluation may include communication with family or other sources and review and ordering of diagnostic studies. |
| 90846 | Family psychotherapy (without the patient present), 50 minutes | MD, PA, RN, LCSW/LMSW | Psychotherapy documentation as stated in 90832. |
| 90847 | Family psychotherapy (conjoint psychotherapy) (with patient present), 50 minutes | MD, PA, RN, LCSW/LMSW | Psychotherapy documenation in addition to treatment strategy used to modifiy family behavior and attitudes. |
| 90849 | Multiple-family group psychotherapy | MD, PA, RN, LCSW/LMSW | Psychotherapy documenation in addition to treatment strategy used to modifiy family behavior and attitudes. |
| 90853 | Group psychotherapy (other than of a multiple-family group) | MD, PA, RN, LCSW/LMSW |
• Groups designed to target specific problem; depression, obesity, panic disorder, social anxiety (anger, shyness, loneliness, low self-esteem), loss of family member, chronic pain or substance abuse. • Does not include recreational activities, play, eating together, art or music therapy, excursions, sensory stimulation, socialization, motion therapy, etc. • The code is used to report per-session services for each group member. |
| Psychotherapy for Crisis | |||
| CPT Code | Descriptor | Healthcare Professional | Documentation Requirements |
| 90839 | Psychotherapy for crisis; first 60 minutes *Billed for the first 60 mins of psychotherapy for a patient in crisis, and add-on code 90840 billed for each additional 30 mins. | MD, LPC, PsyD PHD, LCSW/LMSW | |
| 90840 | Psychotherapy for crisis; each additional 30 minutes (list separately in addition to code for primary service). | MD, PA, RN, LCSW/LMFT |
• A preliminary assessment of risk, mental status, and medical stability • The need for further evaluation or referral to other mental health services (if applicable) • Communication with contacts who may have pertinent information for the assessment • Substance use (if applicable) • Outcome of the session |
CPT Code
Descriptor
Healthcare Professional
Documentation Requirements
Psychiatric Diagnostic Procedures
90791
Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation
MD, NPP, LMSW, LCSW, Licensed Psychologist, RN, LMHC, LMFT, LCAT
Elicitation of a complete medical and psychiatric history (including past, family, social)
Mental status examination
Establishment of an initial diagnosis
Evaluation of the patient’s ability and capacity to respond to treatment
Initial plan of treatment
Reported once per day and NOT on the same day as an E/M service performed by the same individual for the same patient
Covered once at the outset of an illness or suspected illness
90792
Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services
MD, NPP
Elicitation of a complete medical and psychiatric history (including past, family, social)
Mental status examination
Establishment of an initial diagnosis
Evaluation of the patient’s ability and capacity to respond to treatment’
Initial plan of treatment
Reported once per day and ON the same day as an E/M service performed by the same individual for the same patient
Covered once at the outset of an illness or suspected illness
Interactive Complexity
CPT Code
Descriptor
Healthcare Professional
Documentation Requirements
90875
Interactive Complexity add-on code
MD/DO, PSY, CNSCNP, PA, LISW, LIMFT, LPCC, LSW, LMFT, LPC
Include 90785 in addition to the primary procedure, when at least one of the following communication factors is present and documented during the visit:
The need to manage maladaptive communication (related to, e.g., high anxiety, high reactivity, repeated questions, or disagreement) among participants that complicates the delivery of care.
Caregiver emotions or behaviors that interfere with the implementation of the treatment plan.
Evidence or disclosure of a sentinel event and mandated report to a third party (e.g., abuse or neglect with report to state agency) with initiation of discussion of the sentinel event and/or report with patient and other visit participants.
Use of play equipment, physical devices, interpreter or translator to overcome barriers to diagnostic or therapeutic interaction with a patient who is not fluent in the same language or who has not developed or lost expressive or receptive language skills to use or understand typical language.
Psychotherapy
CPT Code
Descriptor
Healthcare Professional
Documentation Requirements
90832
Psychotherapy, 30 minutes with patient
MD, PA, RN, LCSW/LMSW
Documentation to support psychotherapy should include, but is not limited to the following:
Time element as noted above
Modalities and frequency
Clinical notes for each encounter that summarizes the following:
-
Diagnosis
Symptoms
Functional status
Focused mental status examination
Treatment plan, prognosis, and progress
Name, signature and credentials of person performing the service.
Documentation must support a face to face service. While it may include the involvement of family members, the patient MUST be present for all or some of the time. See CPT code 90846 for family visits without the patient present.
90834
Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient
MD, PA, RN, LCSW/LMSW
Psychotherapy documentation as stated in 90832.
90837
Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with patient
MD, PA, RN, LCSW/LMSW
Psychotherapy documentation as stated in 90832.
90845
Psychoanalysis
MD
Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation is an integrated biopsychosocial assessment, including history, mental status, and recommendations. The evaluation may include communication with family or other sources and review and ordering of diagnostic studies.
90846
Family psychotherapy (without the patient present), 50 minutes
MD, PA, RN, LCSW/LMSW
Psychotherapy documentation as stated in 90832.
90847
Family psychotherapy (conjoint psychotherapy) (with patient present), 50 minutes
MD, PA, RN, LCSW/LMSW
Psychotherapy documenation in addition to treatment strategy used to modifiy family behavior and attitudes.
90849
Multiple-family group psychotherapy
MD, PA, RN, LCSW/LMSW
Psychotherapy documenation in addition to treatment strategy used to modifiy family behavior and attitudes.
90853
Group psychotherapy (other than of a multiple-family group)
MD, PA, RN, LCSW/LMSW
Groups designed to target specific problem; depression, obesity, panic disorder, social anxiety (anger, shyness, loneliness, low self-esteem), loss of family member, chronic pain or substance abuse.
Does not include recreational activities, play, eating together, art or music therapy, excursions, sensory stimulation, socialization, motion therapy, etc.
The code is used to report per-session services for each group member.
Psychotherapy for Crisis
CPT Code
Descriptor
Healthcare Professional
Documentation Requirements
90839
Psychotherapy for crisis; first 60 minutes
*Billed for the first 60 mins of psychotherapy for a patient in crisis, and add-on code 90840 billed for each additional 30 mins.
MD, LPC, PsyD PHD, LCSW/LMSW
90840
Psychotherapy for crisis; each additional 30 minutes (list separately in addition to code for primary service).
MD, PA, RN, LCSW/LMFT
A preliminary assessment of risk, mental status, and medical stability
The need for further evaluation or referral to other mental health services (if applicable)
Communication with contacts who may have pertinent information for the assessment
Substance use (if applicable)
Outcome of the session
No long term commitments.
When to Use Psychotherapy CPT Codes
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines psychotherapy as:
The treatment of mental illness and behavioral disturbances in which the physician or other qualified health care professional, through definitive therapeutic communication, attempts to alleviate the emotional disturbances, revere, or change maladaptive patterns of behavior, and encourage personality growth and development.
As such, individual psychotherapy CPT codes should be used only when the focus of treatment involves individual psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy CPT codes should not be used when other CPT codes are more appropriate. For example, for some services an evaluation and management (E/M) or pharmacological code may be more fitting.
Important! All psychotherapy CPT codes are time-based. The time for a psychotherapy code is defined as the time spent with the patient and/or patient’s family.
While time for each code is specified in increments of 30, 45, or 60 minutes, the coding manual allows for some flexibility. Luckily, the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has developed a rule for recording time accurately when it does not match the exact time increments specified in the CPT code. The rule is:
CPT Code
Total Duration
90832
16-37 minutes
90834
38-52 minutes
90837
> 53 minutes
90846, 90847
> 26 minutes
All mental health professionals who deliver psychotherapy services, including psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers, use the same applicable CPT codes.
They use them when billing clients and when filing CMS-1500 claim forms with third-party payers such as Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance carriers.
Finally, what is the difference between report E/M CPT codes and psychotherapy CPT codes? The following table explains the key distinctions:
Psychotherapy
90833
Psychotherapy, 30 minutes with patient with E/M
MD
Documentation to support psychotherapy should include, but is not limited to the following:
Time element as noted above
Modalities and frequency
Clinical notes for each encounter that summarizes the following
-
Diagnosis
Symptoms
Functional status
Focused mental status examination
Treatment plan, prognosis, and progress
Name, signature and credentials of person performing the service
Documentation must support a face to face service. While it may include the involvement of family members, the patient MUST be present for all or some of the time. See CPT code 90846 for family visits without patient present.
90836
Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient with E/M
MD
With an Evaluation and Management (E/M) code with an appropriate history, physical examination with Medical Decision Making of Straightforward, Low, Moderate and High being the driving factor in E/M code selection.
**Time is not a determining factor when selecting an E/M code with Psychotherapy. Evaluation and Management time is not included in the time for Psychotherapy**
90838
Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with patient with E/M
MD
Discover how we can simplify your billing process and boost your practice’s bottom line. Delve deeper into our comprehensive billing services for mental health providers.
Different CPT Codes for Psychotherapy Services Rendered
Each CPT code describes a specific medical, diagnostic, or surgical procedure or service. The AMA created these codes to reflect the service rendered by the provider. In choosing a CPT code, the medical coder must select the code that best reflects the service rendered by the healthcare professional.
Below we look at three CPT codes in detail to better understand the requirements of performing and documenting certain psychotherapy services.
CPT Code 90791: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation
The CPT code for psychiatric evaluation is 90791. This code is used for a mental psychiatric diagnostic evaluation, which includes an integrated biopsychosocial assessment, covering history, mental status, and recommendations.
This CPT code is used to describe an initial visit to a new patient or an established patient with a new diagnosis. This visit may include diagnostic assessment or reassessment but not psychotherapy services.
During the encounter, the provider must document:
- Elicitation of a complete medical and psychiatric history (including past, family, social)
- Mental status examination
- Establishment of an initial diagnosis
- Evaluation of the patient’s ability and capacity to respond to treatment.’
- Initial plan of treatment
- Reported once per day and NOT on the same day as an E/M service performed by the same individual for the same patient.
- Covered once at the outset of an illness or suspected illness (see LCD for exceptions)
CPT code 90791 should be reported once per day and not on the same day as an E/M service performed by the same individual for the same patient. It is covered once at the outset of an illness or suspected illness
CPT Code 90832: Psychotherapy; 30 minutes with patient
Psychotherapy is a form of treatment of mental illness and behavioral disturbances in which the physician or other qualified health care professional, through various therapeutic interventions and strategies attempts to alleviate the emotional disturbances, reverse, or change maladaptive patterns of behavior, and encourage personality growth and development. Documentation to support psychotherapy should include, but is not limited to the following:
- Time element as noted above
- Modalities and frequency
Clinical notes for each encounter that summarizes the following:
- Diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Functional status
- Focused mental status examination.
- Treatment plan, prognosis, and progress
- Name, signature and credentials of person performing the service
CPT Code 90837: Psychotherapy; 60 Minutes with Patient
The CPT code for 90837 is used for 60-minute psychotherapy sessions, which is referred to as CPT code 60 minute psychotherapy. This code is applicable when the treatment session lasts for at least 53 minutes, fitting within the specified 90837 time range.
For CPT code 90837, documentation must include:
- Start and end times of the session
- Summary of the therapy provided
- Patient’s progress and any changes to the treatment plan
- Diagnosis, symptoms, and functional status
- Name, signature, and credentials of the person performing the service
CPT Code 90839: Psychotherapy for crisis; first 60 minutes + CPT Code 90840 Psychotherapy for crisis; each additional 30 minutes (list separately in addition to code for primary service 90839)
Mental status exam and psychotherapy for crisis is an urgent assessment and history of a crisis state, a mental status exam, and a disposition. The presenting problem is typically life-threatening or complex and requires immediate attention to a patient in high distress.
During the encounter, the provider must document:
- A 60-minute session with start and stop time (30–74 minutes).
- A preliminary assessment of risk, mental status, and medical stability.
- Psychotherapy (for crisis of less than 30 minutes total duration on a given date should be reported with 90832 or 90833 when an evaluation and management services)
- Mobilization of resources to defuse the crisis and restore safety
- The need for further evaluation or referral to other mental health services, if applicable.
- Communication with contacts who may have pertinent information for the assessment
- Provision of psychotherapeutic intervention to minimize emotional trauma.
- Substance use, if applicable.
- Outcome of the session.
CPT Code 90839 and add-on code 90840 should not be billed in conjunction with these codes:
90791 (Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation)
90792 (Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services)
90785-90899 (Psychiatric services and procedures)
90832-90838 (Psychotherapy services and procedures)
Ask us for Help!
Incident-To Guidelines in Psychotherapy Medical Billing
It is common for multiple healthcare professionals to work together in providing care for patients. When a non-physician provider furnishes services to a physician professional, incident-to guidelines are used for billing under the provider’s NPI.
According to the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, incident-to is defined as:
According to the Final Rule which amends the direct supervision requirement under the incident-to billing regulation to allow behavioral health services to be furnished under the general (instead of direct) supervision of a physician or NPP when these services or supplies are provided by auxiliary personnel (such as such licensed professional counselors (LPCs) and licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs)) incident to the services of a physician or NPP.
The physician professional in the medical documentation must clearly note the incident-to guidelines when a non-physician provider performs work. The following information must be included:
- Documentation entries must have co-signature or legible identity and credentials (i.e., MD, DO, NP, PA, etc.) of both the practitioner who provided the service and the supervising physician.
- Some indication of the supervising physician’s involvement with the patient’s care. This indication could be satisfied by:
- Notation of supervising physician’s involvement within the text of the associated medical record entry. The degree of involvement must be consistent with clinical circumstances of the care.
- Documentation from other dates of service than those requested (the initial visit, for example). This establishes the link between the two providers.
Modifiers Used in Psychotherapy Medical Billing
Modifiers are used to show that a medical service or procedure has been altered by some specific circumstance but has not been changed in its definition or code.
Psychotherapy medical billing does not have any modifiers associated with it. However, you should review your insurance carriers to see if they require any local modifiers.
For example, if psychotherapy is conducted via teletherapy, an applicable telemedicine modifier may be required.
Proper Documentation for Psychotherapy Medical Billing
Documentation plays the essential role of explaining the medical necessity of procedures rendered by the provider. All documentation must comply with legal/regulatory requirements of the state in which the provider practices.
According to the Office For Civil Rights HIPPA guidelines for Psychotherapy notes are treated differently from other mental health information both because they contain particularly sensitive information and because they are the personal notes of the therapist that typically are not required or useful for treatment, payment, or health care operations purposes, other than by the mental health professional who created the notes. Therefore, with few exceptions, the Privacy Rule requires a covered entity to obtain a patient’s authorization prior to a disclosure of psychotherapy notes for any reason, including a disclosure for treatment purposes to a health care provider other than the originator of the notes. See 45 CFR 164.508(a)(2). A notable exception exists for disclosures required by other law, such as for mandatory reporting of abuse, and mandatory “duty to warn” situations regarding threats of serious and imminent harm made by the patient (State laws vary as to whether such a warning is mandatory or permissible).
All medical records should include:
- Date of service and provider information
- History
- Observations and type of therapy
- Diagnoses
- Medications
- Progress and follow-up
- E/M documentation if applicable
If you are a little uncertain about documentation, or just do not have the time, consider hiring a virtual medical assistant. VAs can oversee all sorts of administrative and clerical tasks with expertise and efficiency.
Most Common Reasons for Psychotherapy Claim Denials
- Incomplete documentation for the behavioral health services rendered.
- Incorrect patient insurance and coverage: Always verify patient information and coverage. Many times, mental health services are offered by third-party insurance. Thus, it is critical to conduct a verification of benefits yourself.
- Incorrect CPT codes: CPT codes change rapidly. Your practice should keep their superbills updated to the most accurate CPT codes set by AMA.
- Inaccurate time-based codes: This is another frequent error. If a CPT code is time-based, ensure that the units of service are accurate.
- Timely filing: Make sure all claims are submitted on time. Missing even one deadline can cause major delays in filing and reimbursement.
Optimize, Document, Succeed: The Path to Billing Excellence
In conclusion, we hope this guide has helped you and your practice understand the basics of psychotherapy medical billing and coding. No matter your field, all providers must complete the proper medical documentation, explain the medical need for services rendered, and submit clean claims to insurance companies.
If the documentation is clear and well written, billing is easy. Make a habit of keeping up to date on the latest changes in psychotherapy medical billing, and you will save yourself a lot of trouble down the road.
Looking for some quick assistance with your psychotherapy medical billing?
Neolytix offers a full selection of medical billing services. We work with therapists and mental health professionals across the country to optimize their billing processes and boost their cash flow.
Reach out to us anytime, or complete the from below for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary CPT code for psychotherapy is 90837 CPT code, which is used for 60-minute sessions. Other relevant codes include 90832 CPT code for 30-minute sessions and 90834 CPT code for 45-minute sessions.
The main difference lies in the session duration. 90837 CPT code is for 60-minute sessions, while 90834 CPT code is for 45-minute sessions.
When billing E&M with psychotherapy, you should use the appropriate E&M code along with the psychotherapy add-on code, such as 90833 CPT code for 30 minutes of psychotherapy with an E&M service.
No, the 90837 CPT code is specifically for sessions that last more than 53 minutes. For a 50-minute session, consider using 90834 CPT code. On the other hand, for psychotherapy sessions that last between 16 and 37 minutes CPT code 90833 is used.
Authorization requirements for CPT code 90837 vary by insurance carrier. It is essential to verify with the specific insurer to determine if pre-authorization is needed. Authorization may also depend on the diagnosis, documented under the appropriate ICD-10 codes for mental health billing codes.
90837 CPT code is for individual psychotherapy sessions of 60 minutes, while 90847 CPT code is for family therapy sessions where the patient is present, with a specified 90847 CPT code time range. The CPT code for family therapy without the patient present is 90846 CPT code.
Generally, 90791 CPT code (psychiatric diagnostic evaluation) and 90837 CPT code (60-minute psychotherapy) should not be billed together on the same day for the same patient. Each has its own specific CPT code description and usage guidelines under psychotherapy billing guidelines.
For CPT code 90837, documentation must include the session start and end times, a summary of the therapy provided, the patient's progress, and any changes to the treatment plan. This ensures compliance with behavioral health billing codes and psychiatry medical billing standards.
ICD-10 codes for psychotherapy vary depending on the specific diagnosis. Common codes include F32.9 for major depressive disorder and F41.1 for generalized anxiety disorder. These codes are essential for accurate mental health billing and ensuring proper reimbursement under mental health codes for billing.
For a 2-hour therapy session, you can use 90837 CPT code for the first 60 minutes and 90838 CPT code for each additional 30 minutes. This method adheres to standard therapy billing units and ensures appropriate compensation for extended sessions. Accurate billing for mental health services is crucial to avoid denials and delays in reimbursement.
Yes, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) can bill for CPT code 90837 for psychotherapy sessions lasting 60 minutes. This is part of the broader CPT codes for mental health that allow various mental health professionals to bill for their services appropriately.
Yes, psychotherapy is considered a medical service and is billed using specific mental health billing codes.These include various CPT codes for psychotherapy, such as 90832 CPT code for 30-minute sessions and 90834 CPT code for 45-minute sessions. Proper CPT code therapy usage ensures that mental health services are reimbursed accurately.
CPT code 90846 is used for family psychotherapy sessions without the patient present. In cases where the patient is present, the family therapy CPT code would be 90847.
Generally, CPT code 90837 should not be billed more than once per day for the same patient. If multiple sessions are necessary, consider using other relevant CPT codes for mental health, such as 90836 procedure code for an additional 30-minute session if clinically appropriate.
The reimbursement rate for CPT code 90837 varies by region and provider type. It is best to consult the current Medicare fee schedule for specific rates.
The CPT code for couples therapy is 90847 when the patient is present and 90846 when the patient is not present. These couples therapy CPT codes are part of the broader CPT codes for mental health services that cover different therapeutic scenarios.
The group psychotherapy CPT code is 90853. This code is used for therapy sessions involving multiple patients and follows specific group therapy CPT code guidelines.
Interactive complexity codes (CPT code 90785) are used when factors complicate the delivery of care, such as involvement of caregivers or significant communication difficulties. These codes enhance billing accuracy for complex sessions.
The CPT code for psychological testing includes codes like 96156 CPT code for health behavior assessment and intervention. Accurate coding is essential for proper billing and reimbursement.
