Psychotherapy Time Standalone Psychotherapy Code Psychotherapy + E/M Combo
- 30 minutes
- 45 minutes
- 60 minutes
- 90832
- 90834
- 90837
- 90833 + E/M (e.g., 99213)
- 90836 + E/M
- 90838 + E/M
1) 90833, 90836, and 90838 are add-on codes and must be billed with an E/M code (like
99212–99215).
2) Do not bill 90832/90834/90837 with an E/M code — those are standalone psychotherapy
codes.
1. 99212–99215 — For established patient E/M services
2. Must document medical evaluation/management (e.g., medication management,
diagnostic updates)
1) If total time exceeds standard E/M + psychotherapy:
- Code
- 99417
- 99354/99355
- Use Case
- Add-on for prolonged time (with 99215 only)
- For face-to-face prolonged services (check payer)
- Payer policies vary for prolonged services — always check with the specific insurer.
- Key Reminders
- Document each component (E/M + psychotherapy time + content).
- Time-based billing requires clear time logs.
- Only one psychotherapy code per session — never mix 90837 with 90838.