CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes are essential for mental health professionals to accurately bill for psychotherapy services. These standardized codes ensure proper reimbursement and streamline the billing process for insurance companies and healthcare providers.
What are CPT Codes for Psychotherapy?
CPT codes for psychotherapy are five-digit numeric codes that describe specific mental health services provided to patients. They are used for billing purposes and help insurance companies determine appropriate reimbursement rates for different types of therapy sessions.
Common CPT Codes for Psychotherapy
90832: Psychotherapy, 30 minutes
This code is used for sessions lasting 16-37 minutes and is typically used for brief, focused interventions.
90834: Psychotherapy, 45 minutes
Used for sessions lasting 38-52 minutes, this is one of the most commonly used codes for standard therapy sessions. Learn more about 90834 CPT code.
90837: Psychotherapy, 60 minutes
This code is used for sessions lasting 53 minutes or longer. It’s often used for more intensive or complex therapy sessions. For detailed information, see our guide on 90837 CPT code.
Add-on codes
Codes like 90785 (interactive complexity) or 90846 (family psychotherapy without patient present) can be added to the primary codes for additional services. For more on family therapy, check out our article on 90846 CPT code.
| CPT Code | Description | Session Length | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90832 | Psychotherapy, 30 minutes | 16-37 minutes | Typically used for brief, focused interventions. |
| 90834 | Psychotherapy, 45 minutes | 38-52 minutes | Commonly used for standard therapy sessions. |
| 90837 | Psychotherapy, 60 minutes | 53 minutes or longer | Used for more intensive or complex therapy sessions. |
| 90785 | Add-on: Interactive complexity | N/A | Can be added to the primary codes for additional services. |
| 90846 | Add-on: Family psychotherapy (without patient) | N/A | Can be added to the primary codes for additional services. |
CPT Codes for Psychotherapy Coding Best Practices
To select the correct code:
- Accurately track session duration
- Consider the complexity of the session
- Use add-on codes when appropriate
- Document thoroughly to support your code selection and protect against audits.
Insurance and Reimbursement
Insurance companies use these codes to determine reimbursement rates. To avoid denied claims:
- Verify insurance coverage before sessions
- Ensure accurate coding based on session length and type
- Provide detailed documentation to support the chosen code
- Stay updated on any changes to coding guidelines or insurance policies
By understanding and correctly using CPT codes for psychotherapy, mental health professionals can ensure proper reimbursement and focus on providing quality care to their patients.
