Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
CareerCenter
Medical Coding Job Board
Log in Register free account

Need help choosing the right code?

Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.

Try CasePilot
Code deleted, use 90833 and 90785 and 99201-99255, 99304-99337, or 99341-99350.

Official Description

Individual psychotherapy, interactive, using play equipment, physical devices, language interpreter, or other mechanisms of non-verbal communication, in an office or outpatient facility, approximately 20 to 30 minutes face-to-face with the patient; with medical evaluation and management services

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Individual psychotherapy, as described by CPT® Code 90811, refers to a therapeutic intervention conducted in an office or outpatient setting. This procedure typically lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes and is characterized by the use of interactive techniques that may include play equipment, physical devices, and non-verbal communication methods. The primary aim of this type of psychotherapy is to facilitate communication with patients who may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally or through written means, such as young children or individuals with certain communication challenges. The inclusion of medical evaluation and management services indicates that this psychotherapy session may also involve assessing the patient's overall mental health and addressing any medical concerns that may arise during the therapy. This multifaceted approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's needs and enhances the effectiveness of the therapeutic process.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The indications for CPT® Code 90811 include situations where individual psychotherapy is necessary for patients who may struggle with verbal communication. This procedure is particularly beneficial for:

  • Children who may not yet have developed the ability to express their thoughts and feelings verbally.
  • Individuals with communication disorders that hinder their ability to engage in traditional talk therapy.
  • Patients requiring non-verbal interaction to facilitate understanding and expression of emotions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 90811 involves several key steps that ensure effective communication and therapeutic engagement with the patient. Each step is designed to create a supportive environment conducive to therapy.

  • Step 1: Initial Assessment The therapist begins with an initial assessment of the patient’s needs, which may include gathering background information and understanding the patient's communication abilities. This step is crucial for tailoring the therapy to the individual’s specific requirements.
  • Step 2: Use of Play Equipment and Physical Devices During the session, the therapist utilizes play equipment and physical devices to facilitate interaction. These tools are particularly effective in engaging patients who may find it challenging to communicate verbally, allowing them to express themselves through play and other non-verbal means.
  • Step 3: Interactive Engagement The therapist actively engages with the patient using non-verbal communication techniques. This may involve demonstrating activities, guiding the patient through play scenarios, or using visual aids to enhance understanding and expression.
  • Step 4: Medical Evaluation and Management Throughout the session, the therapist also incorporates medical evaluation and management services. This includes monitoring the patient’s mental health status, addressing any medical concerns, and adjusting the therapeutic approach as necessary based on the patient’s responses and needs.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the psychotherapy session, the therapist may provide recommendations for follow-up care or additional sessions as needed. It is important to assess the patient's progress and determine if further intervention is required. The therapist may also document the session details, including the techniques used and the patient's responses, to ensure continuity of care and to inform future therapeutic strategies. Additionally, parents or guardians of child patients may receive guidance on how to support their child's communication and emotional development outside of therapy sessions.

Short Descr INTAC PSYTX 20-30 W/E&M
Medium Descr INDIV PSYCTX INTERACT OFF/OP 20-30 MIN MED E/M
Long Descr Individual psychotherapy, interactive, using play equipment, physical devices, language interpreter, or other mechanisms of non-verbal communication, in an office or outpatient facility, approximately 20 to 30 minutes face-to-face with the patient; with medical evaluation and management services
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) M5B - Specialist - psychiatry
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 218 - Psychological and psychiatric evaluation and therapy
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, use 90833 and 90785 and 99201-99255, 99304-99337, or 99341-99350.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
1998-01-01 Added Code added
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"