2025 CPT code 90863

Pharmacologic management, including prescription and review of medication, when performed with psychotherapy services.

Do not count the time spent on pharmacologic management toward the time used for selecting the psychotherapy service code. This is an add-on code and cannot be reported alone.

Modifiers may be applicable to this code. Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate usage and documentation.

Medical necessity for pharmacologic management must be supported by documentation of a diagnosed psychiatric condition requiring medication management in conjunction with psychotherapy.

The physician or other qualified healthcare professional provides pharmacologic management, including prescribing and reviewing medications, during the same session as psychotherapy services. This involves obtaining a relevant history, performing a mental status examination, formulating the treatment response, and monitoring the dosage, effectiveness, and side effects of all medications.

IMPORTANT Use 90863 in conjunction with 90832 (30 minutes of psychotherapy), 90834 (45 minutes of psychotherapy), or 90837 (60 minutes of psychotherapy). For pharmacologic management with psychotherapy by a provider who may report evaluation and management codes, use the appropriate E/M codes (99202-99255, 99281-99285, 99304-99310, 99341-99350) and the appropriate psychotherapy with E/M service codes (90833, 90836, 90838).

In simple words: This code covers managing your medication, including prescribing and reviewing it, during a psychotherapy session.

This add-on code covers the service of pharmacologic management, which includes prescription and review of medication, when performed in conjunction with psychotherapy services during the same encounter.It does not include the time spent on pharmacologic management in calculating the total time for the psychotherapy service.

Example 1: A patient receives a 45-minute psychotherapy session (90834) and, during the same session, the physician also discusses medication management and adjusts the patient's antidepressant dosage. 90863 is reported in addition to 90834., A patient with generalized anxiety disorder has a 60-minute psychotherapy session (90837). During the session, the psychiatrist reviews the patient's current medications, discusses potential side effects, and prescribes a new medication to address the patient's anxiety. 90863 is reported in addition to 90837., A patient undergoing psychotherapy for 30 minutes (90832) also discusses their medication concerns with the provider, who then adjusts their medication. Code 90863 is billed alongside 90832 to capture the pharmacologic management provided.

Documentation should include the total time spent on psychotherapy, a description of the psychotherapy provided, the rationale for medication management, details of the medication prescribed or reviewed (including dosage, frequency, and route of administration), discussion of potential side effects, and the patient's response to medication.

  • Specialties:Psychiatry, Behavioral Health
  • Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, Partial Hospitalization, Community Mental Health Center, Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home
** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.