Does 90839 pay more than 90837?

Asked by: Francisco Moore  |  Last update: July 8, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (53 votes)

The 90839 typically pays at a similar rate as your 90837 (60 min psychotherapy) code, but the opportunity to add the 90840 for longer sessions may give you a reimbursement advantage. Medicare does pay for these codes, whether provided in-person or via telehealth (click here for more info on Medicare coverage).

What is the difference between 90837 and 90839?

CPT Code 90839 typically pays slightly more than CPT code 90837 for a 60 minute individual psychotherapy session. 90840 pays a similar rate per time period, about half of what 90839 allows.

How much does Medicare pay for a 90837?

The reimbursement rates for CPT Code 90837 vary depending on the year and insurance provider. As of 2023, the Medicare reimbursement rate for a 60-minute individual therapy session is $147.07. In previous years, the rates were $164.84 (2022), $152.48 (2021), and $141.47 (2020).

When to use cpt code 90839?

The CPT codes 90839 and 90840 are used for emergency sessions with patients who are in high distress and under complex or life-threatening circumstances that demand immediate attention. Examples of this may include patients who display suicidal intent, disabling anxiety, or other overwhelming psychological symptoms.

Does 90791 pay more than 90837?

Yes! 90791 almost always pays more per session than 90834 or 90837. The exact payment depends on the credentialing of the provider rendering services and the insurance plan.

90837 CPT service code

38 related questions found

Can I bill 90837 for 50 minutes?

Time Requirements and Service Criteria for Billing 90837

Code 90837 is for 60-minute therapy sessions, defined as 53 minutes or longer. Anything less than 53 minutes would use code 90834 (45-minute session). For 90837, the actual session time must be documented in your notes. Rounding up or down is not allowed.

How much does Blue Cross Blue Shield pay for therapy?

If you choose a therapist who is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, your therapy sessions likely cost between $15 - $50 per session, after you meet your deductible. The $15 - $50 amount is your copay, or the fixed amount that you owe at each therapy visit.

Can a nurse practitioner bill for psychotherapy?

MDs, DOs, qualified Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants are the only providers that may render psychotherapy codes that include an E/M component (CPT codes 90833, 90836, 90838).

What is the add-on code for 90837?

So are you out of luck and stuck with just billing 90837? Add-on CPT Code 99354 is defined as a prolonged services code and is defined as an extra 30-74 minutes of therapy. 99354 used to only be allowed by Medical Doctor's, but has since expanded and is applicable to 90837 and 90487.

What is the CPT code for a 2 hour psychotherapy session?

This is a super short guide on billing a typical 2 hour individual therapy session for outpatient mental health therapy. You'll want to use your typical 90837 CPT code.

How to justify 90837?

Every insurer is different, but most typically look for the following supporting conditions in 90837 documentation:
  1. Did the nature of the treatment justify the time length of the session? ...
  2. Does the nature of the treatment justify the frequency of treatment sessions? ...
  3. Was the treatment rendered medically necessary?

How much is a 60 minute therapy session?

Even if you don't have benefits that cover mental health services, Talkspace is still more affordable than most in-person therapy. The average cost of a traditional in-person therapy session is $175 - $500 per session — a big departure from our plans!

Can 90837 be telehealth?

90837 – Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with a patient. This code is used to bill for 60 minutes of psychotherapy with a patient in a telehealth setting.

How do you bill for a 1.5 hour therapy session?

Psychologists who conduct sessions that require more than 60 minutes should report CPT® code 90837: Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with patient. Regardless of how long the session lasts, the psychologist's reimbursement will be based on the payment amount ultimately associated with 90837.

Can you bill 90837 without a patient present?

The patient must be present for all or some of the service. In reporting, choose the code closest to the actual time (i.e., 16-37 minutes for CPT codes 90832 and 90833, 38-52 minutes for CPT codes 90834 and 90836, and 53 or more minutes for CPT codes 90837 and 90838).

What is the difference between 90834 and 90837 reimbursement?

CPT Code 90834 Reimbursement Rate

Typically therapy sessions 45 minutes in length are paid for less than your intake evaluation session (90791) and your 60 minute therapy sessions (90837). Expect 70%-80% of the payment compared to a 60 minute individual therapy session.

What is the reimbursement rate for 90837?

Therapists use this code when providing extended therapy services to their patients. Just like CPT Code 90834, the reimbursement rate for CPT Code 90837 may vary depending on the payer, location, like in New York the reimbursement rate for CPT code 90837 is $144.83.

Is 90839 an add on code?

It can't be used in conjunction with other psychotherapy codes, but you may add on code 90840 if your work extends beyond 74 minutes. Code 90839 should only be used once per day even if the time spent by the physician or other health care professional is not continuous on that date.

How are add on codes reimbursed?

Add-on codes are reimbursable services when reported in addition to the appropriate primary service by the same individual physician or other qualified health care professional reporting the same Federal Tax Identification Number on the same date of service.

Can psych NP do therapy?

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners and psychiatrists have similar responsibilities. Both types of professionals assess patients, diagnose psychiatric conditions and make treatment recommendations. Both PMHNPs and psychiatrists can also prescribe medication and conduct counseling or therapy sessions.

How to bill for 90 minutes of psychotherapy in 2024?

To bill an insurance claim for a 90 minute individual therapy session:
  1. bill 90837.
  2. with add-on code 99354.

What insurance has the best mental health coverage?

UnitedHealthcare takes our spot for the best overall mental health coverage primarily because of its comprehensive approach. With UnitedHealthcare, you have access to 24/7 treatment and support through a wide range of online, virtual and mobile tools.

How do therapists get paid by insurance?

In simple words, a covered patient comes to see you for therapy services: you provide care services, prepare a bill, and submit an insurance claim for therapists to their health insurer, and the insurer reimburses you.