90839 CPT code is a billing code used to capture the time and resources involved in crisis intervention sessions.
Designed for intense, time-sensitive encounters, this code applies when mental health professionals provide immediate support to patients facing severe emotional or psychological distress.
What Is 90839 CPT Code Used For Specifically?
CPT code 90839 is used in medical billing for mental health to cover crisis intervention sessions.
Specifically, this code is applied when a mental health professional provides immediate, intensive support to patients in severe emotional or psychological distress, typically lasting 30 to 74 minutes.
This could include situations involving suicidal ideation, acute anxiety, or other urgent mental health crises.
Who Can Use This Code?
This code can be used by the following licensed professionals:
- Psychiatrists (MD)
- Clinical Psychologists (PsyD, PhD)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
Documentation Requirements for 90839 CPT code
A crisis therapy session billed under 90839 requires prompt intervention for a highly distressed patient. Make sure that the documentation includes medical necessity, risk assessments, any referrals, and communications with relevant parties.
Authorization and Insurance Considerations
Generally, the 90839 CPT code does not require pre-authorization. However, some insurance providers, like Medicare, may not reimburse for crisis codes or may limit their use.
It’s a good idea to contact the insurer in these cases to determine if 90839 or a routine service like 90837 is more appropriate. A billing service can assist with this verification.
Telehealth Crisis Therapy Recommendations
For crisis therapy conducted via telehealth, use Place of Service code 02 with modifiers 95 or GT based on the specific insurer’s guidelines. If you’re using a billing service, they should apply these details for you.
Time Requirement and Billing Guidelines for 90839 CPT Code
90839 CPT Code is used for crisis intervention but has a specific time requirement. Sessions need to last between 60 to 90 minutes to qualify.
- 90839 CPT Code Duration: 60–90 minutes
- For Sessions Over 90 Minutes: Use Add-On Code 90840
If a crisis session is shorter than 60 minutes, consider using a standard procedure code like 90834 or 90832, depending on the exact time spent.
Documentation Tip: Always record the time spent on each session to ensure accurate billing with this code.
After-hours crisis Therapy Billing
If crisis therapy is performed outside normal business hours, use CPT Code 99050 to reflect this. For sessions during holidays, weekends, or scheduled evening hours, CPT Code 99051 applies.
Note: Crisis therapy is typically unplanned, so accurate documentation of the emergency context is essential.
2024 Reimbursement Rate for 90839 CPT Code
For mental health professionals providing crisis intervention, CPT code 90839 is essential for billing time-intensive sessions. The reimbursement for the 90839 CPT code is $144.07 for the initial 60–90 minutes of crisis therapy.
There is also a reimbursement rate for the add-on CPT Code 90840 which is $71.38 for each additional 30 minutes beyond the initial 90 minutes.
Accurate documentation of time spent is essential for ensuring proper reimbursement and compliance when billing these codes.
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