2025 CPT code 90837
Psychotherapy, 53-59 minutes with patient.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of service. For instance, modifiers might be used to indicate the place of service, or the use of telehealth. Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity for psychotherapy is established based on the patient's diagnosis, symptoms, and the need for therapeutic intervention to improve mental health and well-being.Documentation must support the medical necessity of the session.
The clinical responsibility includes conducting a comprehensive psychotherapy session focusing on the patient's mental and emotional health. This involves using various therapeutic communication techniques to address maladaptive behaviors, emotional disturbances, and encourage personality growth. The provider's role also involves ongoing assessment and adjustments to the intervention plan based on patient progress.
- Medicine Services and Procedures > Psychiatry Services and Procedures > Other Psychiatric Diagnostic Procedures > Psychotherapy Services and Procedures
- Psychiatry Services and Procedures
In simple words: This code covers a therapy session lasting between 53 and 59 minutes where the therapist works with the patient directly to address their mental health concerns.The therapist may also talk to family or friends involved in the patient's care.
This CPT code reports psychotherapy services provided to an individual patient, requiring 53-59 minutes of face-to-face time.The session includes ongoing assessment and adjustment of psychotherapeutic interventions, and may involve informants.This code should only be used when the patient is present for the majority of the session.It does not include crisis psychotherapy.
Example 1: A patient presents with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The therapist uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help the patient identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop coping mechanisms over a 55-minute session. , A patient experiencing marital conflict engages in a 58-minute individual therapy session to explore personal feelings and communication styles contributing to the conflict. The therapist guides the patient in identifying healthy communication patterns and problem-solving strategies., A patient struggling with grief after the loss of a loved one receives 53 minutes of supportive psychotherapy, focusing on processing emotions, adjusting to the loss, and developing strategies for coping with ongoing sadness and loneliness.
Detailed session notes documenting the specific techniques used, the patient's participation, any progress made, and the treatment plan modifications.Documentation should include the total face-to-face time spent with the patient. If informants were involved, note their participation.
** Always ensure accurate documentation to support the medical necessity and duration of the psychotherapy session.Consult payer-specific guidelines for additional coding requirements.
- Revenue Code: M5B (SPECIALIST - PSYCHIATRY)
- RVU: This information is payer and location specific and varies over time.Consult current fee schedules for precise RVU values and reimbursement rates.
- Global Days : Not applicable.This is a time-based code, not a global surgical procedure.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable. This is not a procedure that has a technical component (TC) separate from the professional component (PC).
- Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedules are not provided here. Please consult appropriate fee schedules and databases for specific information on historical reimbursement rates.
- Specialties:Psychiatry, Psychology, Social Work
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home