2025 CPT code 90833
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Psychiatry - Psychotherapy Feed
Psychotherapy lasting 16-37 minutes with the patient, performed in addition to an evaluation and management (E/M) service during the same encounter.
Modifiers may be applicable to 90833. For example, modifier -53 might be used if the psychotherapy session is discontinued.Modifier -95 or -93 could indicate the use of telehealth.
Medical necessity for both the E/M service and the psychotherapy must be documented. The psychotherapy must be deemed necessary to address the patient's mental or behavioral health concerns, contributing to their overall well-being. The documentation should clearly link the psychotherapy to the patient's diagnosis and treatment plan.
The physician or other qualified healthcare professional is responsible for conducting the psychotherapy session, engaging in therapeutic communication with the patient, assessing and adjusting interventions as needed, and potentially involving informants while ensuring the patient's presence during the majority of the session.
In simple words: This code covers a therapy session lasting between 16 and 37 minutes that takes place during the same visit as a regular medical check-up.It involves talking with a mental health professional to address mental and emotional health concerns.
This add-on code represents psychotherapy provided to an individual patient for 16 to 37 minutes, when performed along with a separate and identifiable E/M service during the same session. The psychotherapy involves therapeutic communication to address mental illness and behavioral disturbances, aiming to alleviate emotional issues, change maladaptive behaviors, and foster personality growth.It includes ongoing assessment and adjustment of interventions and may involve family or other informants, although the patient must be present for the majority of the service.It is reported in addition to the appropriate E/M code.
Example 1: A patient has a scheduled appointment for follow-up of their hypertension (E/M service). During the visit, the patient expresses significant anxiety about their medication side effects. The physician provides 30 minutes of psychotherapy to address the patient's concerns, in addition to managing the hypertension.Both an E/M code and 90833 would be reported., A patient with depression is seen for medication management (E/M service).The physician also spends 25 minutes discussing coping mechanisms and strategies for managing depressive symptoms, constituting psychotherapy. Codes for both the E/M service and 90833 are reported., A patient with diabetes is seen for routine management (E/M service) during which they reveal feelings of hopelessness. The physician provides 20 minutes of supportive psychotherapy to address these feelings, alongside the diabetes management. Both the E/M service and 90833 would be billed.
The medical record must document the start and end times of the psychotherapy session, totaling 16-37 minutes, and distinct from the time spent on the E/M service.The content of the session should also be documented, including the patient's presenting concerns, the therapeutic interventions used, and the patient's response.If informants are involved, their participation should be noted.
- RVU: Work RVU: 1.50, Malpractice RVU: 0.07, Facility RVU: 0.28, Non-Facility RVU: 0.35
- Payment Status: Separate payment
- Specialties:Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, other specialties providing mental health services.
- Place of Service:Outpatient Hospital, Office, Inpatient Hospital, and other applicable settings.