90837 CPT Code – Psychotherapy Procedure

90837 CPT Code description?

90837 CPT Code refers to Psychotherapy lasting for 60 minutes with the patient. This code falls within the range of psychotherapy services (90832-90838) aimed at treating mental illness and behavioral disturbances through therapeutic communication to alleviate emotional issues, address maladaptive behavior patterns, and foster personal growth.

Codes 90832-90838 cover ongoing assessment, therapeutic interventions, and may involve informants in the treatment process. Specifically, 90837 CPT Code focuses on individual psychotherapy sessions lasting 60 minutes with the patient. It is essential to accurately select the code based on the actual session time, with 90837 being appropriate for sessions lasting 53 minutes or more.

The 90837 CPT code represents a 60-minute psychotherapy session with a patient. When this psychotherapy session is performed along with an evaluation and management service, the code 90838 should be used instead.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a vital treatment modality for addressing mental illness and behavioral disturbances by healthcare professionals through therapeutic communication to alleviate emotional issues, modify maladaptive behaviors, and foster personal growth.

The CPT codes 90832-90838 outline the provision of psychotherapy services for individual patients, involving ongoing assessment, intervention adjustment, and the potential participation of informants. Codes 90832-90838 correspond to various durations of psychotherapy sessions with the patient present for the majority of the service.

Additionally, codes 90846 and 90847 pertain to family psychotherapy techniques, requiring sessions of at least 26 minutes focusing on family dynamics.

90837 CPT Code is indeed one of the most commonly used procedure codes in mental health and behavioral health billing. Let us learn about the key guidelines, telehealth billing requirements, differences between 90837 and 90834, and appropriate usage examples to ensure accurate and compliant billing practices within the realm of mental health and behavioral health services

Key Guidelines to follow while reporting 90837 CPT Code:

1. 90837 CPT Code pertains to individual psychotherapy lasting for 60 minutes with the patient.

2. Ensure accurate selection of the code based on the actual session time, with 90837 being appropriate for sessions lasting 53 minutes or more.

3. This code falls within the range of psychotherapy services (90832-90838) aimed at treating mental illness and behavioral disturbances through therapeutic communication.

4. If the psychotherapy session is accompanied by an evaluation and management service, use code 90838 instead of 90837.

5. Codes 90846 and 90847 are relevant for family psychotherapy techniques requiring sessions of at least 26 minutes focusing on family dynamics.

6. Maintain detailed documentation of the psychotherapy session to support billing with 90837 CPT Code.

7. Stay updated with guidelines and revisions from the American Medical Association to ensure compliance and accurate coding practices.

8. For psychotherapy services lasting 90 minutes or longer without an E/M service, use the appropriate prolonged services code (99354, 99355, 99356, 99357).

Ensure adherence to these guidelines to accurately report and bill for 90837 CPT Code during individual psychotherapy sessions lasting 60 minutes with the patient.

90837 CPT Code vs 90834 CPT Code?

When comparing CPT Codes 90837 and 90834 in the realm of psychotherapy services, it is essential to understand the distinctions between the two codes for accurate billing and reimbursement.

• 90837 CPT Code denotes a 60-minute individual psychotherapy session, providing an extended therapy option for addressing mental health conditions and behavioral disturbances through therapeutic communication. On the other hand, CPT Code 90834 represents a 45-minute individual psychotherapy session, offering a slightly shorter duration for therapy sessions compared to 90837 CPT Code.
• Providers should select the appropriate code based on the actual session duration, with 90837 suitable for sessions lasting 53 minutes or more and 90834 being appropriate for sessions ranging from 38 to 52 minutes. Accurate documentation of the therapy session is crucial for supporting billing practices and ensuring compliance with guidelines from the American Medical Association.
• When combining psychotherapy services with an evaluation and management service, providers should use code 90838 for the 60-minute session (90837) and code 90836 for the 45-minute session (90834). Adherence to these guidelines, along with staying updated on revisions and requirements, is critical for precise reporting and billing of psychotherapy services.

In conclusion, CPT Codes 90837 and 90834 cater to different durations of individual psychotherapy sessions, with providers needing to select the appropriate code based on session length to accurately bill for services rendered.

Telehealth services requirement for 90837 CPT Code?

Telehealth services have revolutionized mental health care delivery, enabling practitioners to provide individual psychotherapy sessions remotely. Billing for 90837 CPT Code involves utilizing telehealth modifiers and adhering to payer guidelines to ensure seamless reimbursement. This comprehensive guide delves into the requirements for telehealth services associated with the 90837 CPT Code and provides insights into the 90834 CPT Code for psychotherapy sessions.

Telehealth Services Requirement for 90837 CPT Code:

• Utilize appropriate telehealth modifiers like Modifier 95 to indicate telehealth delivery.
• Adhere to payer guidelines regarding documentation, approved platforms, and reimbursement restrictions.
• Verify client insurance coverage for telehealth services.
• Accurately document session details, including duration, therapeutic interventions, and treatment objectives discussed.
• Benefits of telehealth include expanded access, enhanced convenience, care continuity, privacy, and reduced stigma.

Examples of 90837 CPT Code

Scenario 1: Managing Depression

Dr. Smith, a licensed psychologist, conducts a 58-minute psychotherapy session with a patient diagnosed with clinical depression. During the session, Dr. Smith employs cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to address the patient’s negative thought patterns and behavioral issues. The session covers discussions on coping strategies, emotional regulation, and goal-setting to alleviate depressive symptoms and promote mental well-being. Dr. Smith accurately documents the session and bills for 90837 CPT Code to reflect the comprehensive psychotherapy service provided.

Scenario 2: Treating Anxiety Disorders

Dr. Patel, a licensed psychiatrist, conducts a 63-minute psychotherapy session with a patient suffering from generalized anxiety disorder. Through evidence-based psychotherapy approaches such as exposure therapy and mindfulness techniques, Dr. Patel helps the patient identify triggers, manage anxious thoughts, and develop adaptive coping mechanisms. The session focuses on building resilience, reducing anxiety symptoms, and improving the patient’s overall quality of life. Dr. Patel appropriately bills for 90837 CPT Code to signify the extended duration and depth of the psychotherapy session.

Conclusion:

90837 CPT Code serves as a fundamental tool for mental health practitioners to bill for 60-minute individual psychotherapy sessions with patients. By adhering to key guidelines and accurately selecting this code based on session duration, healthcare providers can ensure proper reimbursement and compliance in the provision of mental health services. Incorporating accurate documentation, evidence-based therapeutic techniques, and ethical billing practices are essential in utilizing 90837 CPT Code effectively within the context of individual psychotherapy sessions.