CPT® Code 90802

Code deleted, see 90791, 90792

Official Description

Interactive psychiatric diagnostic interview examination using play equipment, physical devices, language interpreter, or other mechanisms of communication

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 90802 refers to an interactive psychiatric diagnostic interview examination that utilizes various forms of communication, including play equipment, physical devices, language interpreters, or other mechanisms. This procedure is particularly designed for patients who may have not developed or have lost their ability to communicate verbally. In such cases, the provider engages in an interview process that may incorporate play therapy or alternative communication methods to facilitate understanding and interaction with the patient. The involvement of family members is also a critical component, as they may be interviewed to gather comprehensive medical and psychiatric histories that are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. During this examination, the provider conducts a thorough evaluation of the patient's mental status, which is crucial for determining the appropriate diagnosis and formulating a treatment plan. Additionally, this code is applicable when an interpreter is necessary for the interview, accommodating patients who are either deaf or do not speak English. It is imperative that the provider documents their findings, including the opinion and treatment plan, to ensure a complete record of the examination and to support subsequent care decisions.

1. Indications

The interactive psychiatric diagnostic interview examination using CPT® Code 90802 is indicated for patients who exhibit the following conditions:

Loss of Oral Communication Abilities Patients who have not developed or have lost the ability to communicate verbally, necessitating alternative methods of interaction.
Need for Comprehensive Evaluation Situations where a thorough psychiatric assessment is required to understand the patient's mental health status and history.
Involvement of Family Members Cases where family members are needed to provide additional context and information regarding the patient's medical and psychiatric history.
Use of Interpreters Instances where an interpreter is required for effective communication, particularly for patients who are deaf or non-English speaking.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting an interactive psychiatric diagnostic interview examination using CPT® Code 90802 involves several key steps:

Initial Engagement The provider begins by establishing rapport with the patient, utilizing play equipment or other communication devices to facilitate interaction. This step is crucial for creating a comfortable environment that encourages the patient to express themselves.
Family Involvement The provider may include family members in the interview process to gather a comprehensive medical and psychiatric history. This collaboration helps in understanding the patient's background and any relevant familial factors that may influence their mental health.
Mental Status Evaluation A thorough evaluation of the patient's mental status is conducted. The provider assesses various aspects of the patient's cognitive and emotional functioning, which is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Based on the information gathered during the interview, the provider analyzes the patient's case to determine an appropriate diagnosis. Following this, a treatment plan is formulated, which may include recommendations for further therapy or interventions.
Documentation The provider must document their findings, including the patient's mental status, the opinions formed during the interview, and the proposed treatment plan. This documentation is vital for continuity of care and for any future evaluations.

3. Post-Procedure

After the interactive psychiatric diagnostic interview examination, the patient may require follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary. The provider should ensure that all documentation is complete and accessible for future reference. Additionally, if any referrals to other specialists or services are indicated, these should be arranged promptly to support the patient's ongoing care. The provider may also recommend resources or support systems for both the patient and their family to aid in the treatment process.

Short Descr	INTAC PSY DX INTERVIEW
Medium Descr	INTAC PSY DX INTERVIEW
Long Descr	Interactive psychiatric diagnostic interview examination using play equipment, physical devices, language interpreter, or other mechanisms of communication
Status Code	Active Code
Global Days	XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC)	0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51)	0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50)	0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions	09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82)	0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62)	0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66)	0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family	99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator	Discontinued Code
Type of Service (TOS)	1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS)	none
MUE	Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification	218 - Psychological and psychiatric evaluation and therapy