If you work in mental health, psychology, or medical billing, you’ve probably come across the 90837 CPT code. It’s one of the most commonly used codes in behavioral health billing—but also one of the most frequently misunderstood. In this post, we’ll break down what CPT code 90837 means, when to use it, and how it affects reimbursement.
What Is CPT Code 90837?
The CPT code 90837 is a billing code defined by the American Medical Association (AMA) for psychotherapy sessions lasting 60 minutes or longer. It falls under the category of Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with patient.
In simpler terms, 90837 represents a psychotherapy session that involves face-to-face time between a licensed mental health professional and the patient, lasting approximately 53 minutes to 60+ minutes.
Official 90837 CPT Code Description:
Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with patient.
This code is used to document and bill for longer therapy sessions focused on psychological treatment, emotional support, and mental health recovery.
When Should You Use 90837?
Use CPT code 90837 when:
- The therapy session lasts at least 53 minutes.
- The primary focus is psychotherapy, not medication management or evaluation.
- You’re providing a stand-alone session, not an add-on to a medical service.
For shorter sessions:
- 90832 – 30 minutes of psychotherapy
- 90834 – 45 minutes of psychotherapy
If you provide a combined session involving both therapy and medication management, use 90833 as an add-on code.
90837 vs. 90834: What’s the Difference?
The main difference is session length:
- 90834 covers 38–52 minutes (standard session).
- 90837 covers 53+ minutes (extended session).
Because 90837 represents a longer service, some insurance companies require additional documentation or pre-authorization to justify its use.
Documentation Tips for 90837
To avoid claim denials, make sure your notes include:
- Total time spent in the session.
- Clinical interventions used (e.g., CBT, trauma processing, etc.).
- Patient’s progress and treatment response.
- Medical necessity for an extended session.
Strong documentation supports the need for longer sessions and ensures compliance with insurance requirements.
Reimbursement and Insurance Notes
Most major insurance providers reimburse 90837 at a higher rate than shorter sessions, reflecting the additional time and clinical work involved. However, some payers flag this code for review due to its higher cost. Always check your payer’s policy and obtain pre-authorization if needed.
Key Takeaways
- 90837 CPT Code = Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with patient
- Use for sessions 53 minutes or longer
- Requires thorough documentation of medical necessity
- Often reimbursed at a higher rate but may need authorization
Final Thoughts
Understanding CPT code 90837 helps ensure accurate billing, fair reimbursement, and compliance with insurance guidelines. Whether you’re a therapist, psychologist, or billing specialist, correct use of this code can prevent denials and streamline your revenue cycle.
FAQs
Q1. What is CPT 90837 used for?
It’s used to bill for individual psychotherapy sessions lasting 53 minutes or longer, focused on emotional, cognitive, or behavioral treatment.
Q2. Can 90837 be billed with medication management?
Not directly. Instead, use 90833 as an add-on code for therapy provided with an E/M (evaluation and management) service.
Q3. Is 90837 covered by insurance?
Yes, but some payers require prior authorization or detailed documentation due to its higher reimbursement rate.
Q4. Who can bill 90837?
Licensed mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors.
