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Understanding Psychiatry CPT Codes

Psychiatry billing includes two main code categories:

1. Evaluation and Management (E/M) Codes — for psychiatric diagnostic evaluations and medication management.
2. Psychotherapy Codes — for individual, group, or family therapy sessions.

Often, both are billed together when therapy and evaluation occur during the same session.

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Common CPT Codes for Psychiatrists

1. 90791 – Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation

Used for initial assessments (no medical services).
Typical Use: First visit with a new patient for diagnosis and evaluation.

2. 90792 – Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation with Medical Services

Used when the psychiatrist performs a full evaluation plus medical management.

3. 99213 / 99214 / 99215 – E/M Codes

Used for ongoing medication management and follow-ups.

• 99213: Low complexity (10–15 min)
• 99214: Moderate complexity (20–30 min)
• 99215: High complexity (40+ min)

4. 90832 / 90834 / 90837 – Psychotherapy Codes

• 90832: 30 minutes
• 90834: 45 minutes
• 90837: 60 minutes

5. 90833 – Psychotherapy Add-On (with E/M Service)

Used when therapy is provided alongside medication management (e.g., 99214 + 90833).

6. 90846 / 90847 – Family or Couples Therapy

• 90846: Without patient present
• 90847: With patient present

7. 90785 – Interactive Complexity Add-On

Used when communication challenges exist (e.g., children, trauma cases, third-party involvement).

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Documentation Tips for Psychiatry Billing

• Clearly separate E/M and therapy time in notes.
• Include total time, content discussed, and medical decision-making.
• For 90833, document distinct therapy elements beyond medication management.
• Always justify the use of 90785 with examples (e.g., interpreter, emotional dysregulation).

Common Psychiatry Billing Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using 90837 without adequate session time (less than 53 minutes).
❌ Billing 90833 without supporting psychotherapy documentation.
❌ Mixing E/M and therapy codes incorrectly.
❌ Forgetting to apply modifier 25 when required.

Psychiatry CPT Code Billing Example

Scenario:
A psychiatrist provides a 25-minute medication review and 20 minutes of psychotherapy.

Correct Coding:

• 99214 (E/M moderate complexity)
• +90833 (psychotherapy add-on)
• Modifier 25 if required by payer

Staying Updated with CPT Code Changes

CPT codes evolve every year. Always check:

• AMA CPT Code updates (January each year)
• Payer bulletins for policy changes
• Medicare Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs)

Simplify Psychiatry Billing with QuantiSurge

At QuantiSurge Billing, we help psychiatrists and mental health providers submit clean, accurate claims using the right CPT combinations.