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
CPT®
90862

CPT® Code 90862
Deleted

Code deleted, see 90863. For E/M see 99201-99255, 99281-99285, 99304-99337, 99341-99350

Official Description

Pharmacologic management, including prescription, use, and review of medication with no more than minimal medical psychotherapy

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 90862 refers to the process of pharmacologic management, which encompasses the prescription, utilization, and review of medications prescribed to patients. This code is specifically designed for situations where the management of pharmacotherapy is conducted with minimal medical psychotherapy involved. In this context, pharmacologic management includes not only the initial prescription of medication but also the ongoing management of the patient's treatment, which may involve monitoring for side effects and assessing the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy. The emphasis on 'minimal medical psychotherapy' indicates that while some level of therapeutic interaction may occur, the primary focus remains on the pharmacological aspects of treatment rather than extensive psychotherapeutic interventions. This code is particularly relevant for healthcare professionals who are involved in the management of patients requiring medication for mental health conditions, ensuring that the treatment is both effective and safe while adhering to the necessary clinical guidelines.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The CPT® Code 90862 is indicated for use in the management of patients who require pharmacotherapy for various mental health conditions. The following are specific indications for this procedure:

  • Medication Management Patients who need ongoing management of their medication regimen, including adjustments based on efficacy and side effects.
  • Review of Treatment Progression Individuals who require regular assessments of their treatment outcomes to ensure that the pharmacotherapy is meeting their therapeutic goals.
  • Minimal Psychotherapy Situations where there is a need for minimal medical psychotherapy in conjunction with pharmacologic management, allowing for brief therapeutic interactions.

2. Procedure

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 90862 involves several key steps that ensure effective pharmacologic management of the patient’s treatment. Each step is crucial for maintaining the quality of care and optimizing therapeutic outcomes.

  • Step 1: Initial Assessment The healthcare provider conducts an initial assessment of the patient’s mental health status, reviewing their medical history, current medications, and any previous treatment responses. This step is essential for understanding the patient's unique needs and tailoring the pharmacotherapy accordingly.
  • Step 2: Prescription of Medication Based on the assessment, the provider prescribes appropriate medications that align with the patient's diagnosis and treatment goals. This may involve selecting a specific class of medication, determining the dosage, and providing instructions for use.
  • Step 3: Monitoring and Management The provider monitors the patient’s response to the medication over time, which includes evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment and identifying any side effects. This ongoing management is critical to ensure that the patient is benefiting from the pharmacotherapy and to make necessary adjustments as needed.
  • Step 4: Review of Treatment Progression Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to review the patient’s progress. During these visits, the provider assesses the overall treatment plan, discusses any concerns the patient may have, and makes modifications to the medication regimen if required.

3. Post-Procedure

After the pharmacologic management procedure coded as 90862, the patient is expected to continue with regular follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and medication effectiveness. It is important for the healthcare provider to maintain open communication with the patient regarding any side effects or concerns that may arise during treatment. Additionally, the provider may offer guidance on lifestyle modifications or adjunct therapies that could enhance the overall treatment outcome. The focus remains on ensuring that the patient receives comprehensive care while adhering to the principles of pharmacologic management.
Short Descr MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
Medium Descr MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
Long Descr Pharmacologic management, including prescription, use, and review of medication with no more than minimal medical psychotherapy
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, see 90863. For E/M see 99201-99255, 99281-99285, 99304-99337, 99341-99350
2013-01-01 Changed Short and Medium Descriptors changed.
Pre-1990 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"