CPT® Code 90832

Psychotherapy, as defined by CPT® Code 90832, involves a structured therapeutic interaction between a mental health professional and a patient, lasting for 30 minutes. This form of individual psychotherapy aims to facilitate behavior modification through various techniques, including re-education, support, reassurance, and insight discussions. The process may also involve the occasional use of medication to enhance the therapeutic effect. The primary goal is to foster self-understanding in the patient, which can lead to improved mental health outcomes. Additionally, psychotherapy can be utilized to evaluate and enhance family relationship dynamics that are pertinent to the patient's mental health condition. It is important to note that when psychotherapy is provided without any accompanying medical evaluation and management services, the appropriate code to report is 90832 for the 30-minute session. For longer sessions, different codes are designated: 90834 for 45 minutes and 90837 for 60 minutes. In cases where psychotherapy is combined with medical evaluation and management services, alternative codes should be used: 90833 for 30 minutes, 90836 for 45 minutes, and 90838 for 60 minutes.