What are the CPT Codes for Telehealth Psychotherapy?

Introduction

Telehealth psychotherapy refers to the provision of mental health services using telecommunication technologies. It allows patients to receive therapy remotely, eliminating the need for in-person visits. To accurately document and bill for telehealth psychotherapy services, specific CPT codes are used to indicate the type and duration of the therapy session.The CPT codes for telehealth psychotherapy describe various aspects of the service, including the type of therapy, the length of the session, and whether it is an initial or subsequent encounter. This article lists the most common CPT codes for telehealth psychotherapy.

CPT Codes for Telehealth Psychotherapy

CPT Code 90832: Psychotherapy, 30 minutes with patient.

This code is used to report psychotherapy services provided to a patient via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system. The service must last for at least 30 minutes. The psychotherapy may be individual, family, or group psychotherapy.

CPT Code 90834: Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient.

This code is used to report psychotherapy services provided to a patient via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system. The service must last for at least 45 minutes. The psychotherapy may be individual, family, or group psychotherapy.

CPT Code 90837: Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with patient.

This code is used to report psychotherapy services provided to a patient via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system. The service must last for at least 60 minutes. The psychotherapy may be individual, family, or group psychotherapy.

CPT Code 90838: Add-on psychotherapy, 15 minutes.

This code is used to report an additional 15 minutes of psychotherapy services provided to a patient via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system. The service must be provided in addition to a psychotherapy service that is billed using one of the other codes listed above.

CPT Code 90839: Add-on psychotherapy, 30 minutes.

This code is used to report an additional 30 minutes of psychotherapy services provided to a patient via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system. The service must be provided in addition to a psychotherapy service that is billed using one of the other codes listed above.

CPT Code 90845: Psychoanalysis.

This code is used to report psychoanalysis services provided to a patient via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system. Psychoanalysis is a type of psychotherapy that is typically longer in duration than other types of psychotherapy. The service must last for at least 50 minutes.

CPT Code 90846: Family psychotherapy (without the patient present), 50 minutes.

This code is used to report family psychotherapy services provided to a family via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system. The service must last for at least 50 minutes. The patient is not present during the session.

CPT Code 90847: Family psychotherapy (with the patient present), 50 minutes.

This code is used to report family psychotherapy services provided to a family via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system. The service must last for at least 50 minutes. The patient is present during the session.

CPT Code 90853: Group psychotherapy, 45 minutes per patient.

This code is used to report group psychotherapy services provided to a group of patients via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system. The service must last for at least 45 minutes per patient.

CPT Code 90854: Group psychotherapy, 60 minutes per patient.

This code is used to report group psychotherapy services provided to a group of patients via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system. The service must last for at least 60 minutes per patient.

It is important to note that these CPT codes for telehealth psychotherapy can only be used if the psychotherapy is provided via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system. The codes cannot be used for telephone or asynchronous text-based psychotherapy. The specific CPT code that is used will depend on the length of the session, the type of psychotherapy that is provided, and the modifiers that are applicable.

The American Medical Association (AMA) owns the copyright for the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system. It’s important to note that CPT codes can vary over time and may be subject to updates and revisions. The AMA periodically releases new editions of the CPT code set to reflect changes in medical practices and technology, as well as updates in reimbursement guidelines.

In addition to the CPT codes, there are also a few modifiers that can be used with telehealth psychotherapy. The most common modifier is 95, which indicates that the service was provided via telehealth. Other modifiers that may be used include GT, which indicates that the service was provided to a patient who is located in a rural area, and RT, which indicates that the service was provided to a patient who is located in a remote area.

About PrimeCare

PrimeCare is a reliable mental health billing company that has established itself as a trusted partner in the healthcare industry. With a deep understanding of the evolving nature of telehealth services, we accurately use CPT codes for telehealth psychotherapy. Our team of experienced billing professionals is well-versed in the latest CPT code updates and guidelines, ensuring that mental health providers receive optimal reimbursement for telehealth psychotherapy services. Contact us today to learn more about our mental health billing services.