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The-3rd-visit-in-a week-for-Psychology should-be-CPT-Code 90839

The 3rd visit for Psychotherapy should be CPT code 90839

Understanding CPT Code 90839: Definition, Usage, and Billing Guidelines. Learn about the most common CPT code for psychotherapy and its requirements.

cpt-code-90839-for-crisis-psychotherapy

What is CPT Code 90839?

CPT Code 90839 is a service code used in medical billing to describe psychoanalysis or psychotherapy sessions that last between 45 and 50 minutes. CPT Code 90839 is one of the most common CPT codes used for psychotherapy, and it is often used in conjunction with other codes, such as CPT codes 90832, 90834, and 90837.

Usage and Billing Guidelines

To use CPT Code 90839, the therapy session must be conducted face-to-face with the patient. Telemedicine and telehealth services are also available, which allow therapists to provide therapy remotely through video conferencing or phone calls. However, telehealth sessions are subject to certain requirements and guidelines, such as the use of HIPAA-compliant software and the inclusion of specific documentation and billing codes.

When billing for CPT Code 90839, it is important to follow the specific guidelines and requirements set by insurance companies and government programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid. Each insurance provider may have different rules and rates for the use of this code, so it is essential to check with each provider before submitting a claim. Additionally, it is essential to include the correct diagnosis code, place of service, and modifiers when billing for this code.

Which Providers can use CPT 90839?

Psychiatrists (MD)

Medical doctors (MDs) who specialize in mental health and have completed a residency in psychiatry.

Psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D)

Doctoral-level mental health professionals who hold either a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) or Psy.D (Doctor of Psychology) degree.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)

Master’s-level mental health professionals who have a master’s degree in social work (MSW) and are licensed by their state to provide mental health services.

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC, LCSW, LMFT)

Master’s-level mental health professionals who have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and are licensed by their state to provide mental health services.

Nurse Practitioners (NP) and Physician Assistants (PA)

Advanced practice clinicians who have completed a master’s degree or higher in nursing or physician assistant studies, respectively, and are licensed to practice under the supervision of a licensed physician or psychiatrist.

Differences between CPT Codes 90839, 90837, and 90834

While CPT Code 90839 is used for psychoanalysis or psychotherapy sessions lasting between 45 and 50 minutes, there are other CPT codes that describe therapy sessions of different lengths and types. For example, CPT Code 90837 describes psychotherapy sessions that last 60 minutes, while CPT Code 90834 describes sessions that last 45 minutes. The key difference between CPT Code 90839 and these other codes is the length of the session.  Along, with the frequency in a week,  if a patient needs a third visit in a week, 90839 is used for a crisis code.

Crisis Therapy Qualifications and Coverage

Crisis therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that is used to treat individuals who are experiencing a severe mental health crisis, such as suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors. To bill for crisis therapy services, mental health professionals must meet specific qualifications and follow specific guidelines set by insurance providers and government programs. Some insurance providers, such as Medicaid, may offer coverage for crisis therapy services, including the use of CPT Code 90839.

Add-on Code for Crisis Psychotherapy CPT Code +90840

CPT code 90839 is an add-on code used to report psychotherapy for a crisis, which involves the provision of urgent, high-intensity psychotherapy services to a patient experiencing an acute crisis. This code can only be used in conjunction with CPT code 90839, which is the base code for psychotherapy for crisis.

CPT code 90839 indicates that the psychotherapy services provided were extended beyond the usual duration of the session and that they were provided in a crisis situation that required immediate attention. This code is typically used in emergency or urgent care settings and is used to bill for additional time spent with the patient beyond the standard duration of a psychotherapy session.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CPT Code 90839 is a commonly used service code for psychoanalysis or psychotherapy sessions lasting between 45 and 50 minutes. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and requirements set by insurance companies and government programs when billing for this code and to use the correct diagnosis code, place of service, and modifiers. Additionally, it is essential to understand the differences between CPT codes 90839, 90837, and 90834, as well as the qualifications and coverage for crisis therapy services.

CPT Codes for Psychology (Non-E/M)

90791 – Psychiatric Diagnostic Examination without medical services

90832 – Individual psychotherapy (time range 16 – 37 minutes)

90834 – Individual psychotherapy (time range 38 -52 minutes)

90837 – Individual psychotherapy (time range 53 – 60 minutes) **

*** There is no code for a 75-minute session *** 

*** There is no code for a 90-minute session ***

90853 – Group therapy

90846 – Family psychotherapy (without the patient present)

90847 – Family psychotherapy (conjoint psychotherapy) (with patient present).

ADDON CODES

+90785 Interactive complexity

+90839 Patient in crisis

+90840 Patient in crisis (each additional 30 minutes)

* 90837 may require special authorization by the individual insurance payer.

** Family visits can consist of spouses, parents and children, patients, and other family Members.

Medical Billing Service services for Mental Health providers

At MCM South Medical Billing Service, LLC, we are a mental health insurance billing service.  We understand the importance of ensuring that your medical claims are accurate, complete, and timely submitted. We work with various providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical therapists, and female therapists with specialties such as LPC, LMFT, LCSW, Ph.D., and Psy.D to ensure that their claims meet the specific payer guidelines.

Services

Comprehensive medical billing service

– Patient insurance benefits verification (offered as a standalone service)

Our therapists specialize in a range of areas, including anxiety, trauma, cognitive-behavioral therapy, child behavior, couples therapy, family therapy, play therapy, sports therapy, ADHD, and psychological testing. By providing comprehensive billing services, we can help providers focus on their areas of expertise while ensuring that their claims are submitted accurately and efficiently.

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