There are a variety of CPT codes typically used for psychotherapy services provided by mental health professionals. CPT codes play a significant role in accurately describing the type of service provided. For psychotherapy, codes primary differentiate the duration of the service.
CPT Code 90834: 45 Minute Code, also known as Routine Outpatient Therapy
CPT code 90834 is assigned to individual psychotherapy sessions lasting between 38 and 52 minutes. This code is commonly used for routine outpatient therapy sessions. It is suitable for addressing various mental health concerns and helping individuals work through their challenges. However, it’s important to note that reimbursement rates for CPT code 90834 are generally lower compared to other codes.
CPT Code 90837: 60 Minute Code, also known as Intensive Therapy Sessions
On the other hand, CPT code 90837 is designated for individual psychotherapy sessions lasting 53 minutes or more. This code is typically employed for more intensive therapy sessions, especially for individuals with more severe mental health conditions. Due to the extended duration and increased therapeutic intensity, reimbursement rates for CPT code 90837 tend to be higher compared to CPT code 90834.
While many insurance companies reimburse for 90837 sessions, it is wise for mental health providers to verify with the relevant insurance company to ensure that they will cover the 90837 without prior authorization.
360 Practice Support provides medical billing, administrative, and marketing support to mental health practices. The content provided in this blog post is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date and helpful information, the content should not be used as a replacement for professional advice and may not be suitable for your situation.