90832 — Individual Psychotherapy, 16-37 minutes
Individual psychotherapy session lasting 16-37 minutes. This is the shortest standard therapy code and is appropriate for brief check-ins, focused interventions, or sessions that are cut short. The session must include psychotherapeutic techniques — it cannot be solely supportive conversation.
Time Requirements
16-37 minutes face-to-face with the client. Sessions under 16 minutes generally cannot be billed.
Modifiers
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 95 | Synchronous telemedicine service. |
| HO | Master's level clinician (some Medicaid plans require). |
When to Use
- Brief therapy sessions lasting 16-37 minutes
- Sessions cut short due to client distress or scheduling issues
- Focused interventions on a single issue within a shorter timeframe
- When session time falls below the 90834 threshold
When Not to Use
- Sessions lasting 38 minutes or more — use 90834 or 90837
- Sessions under 16 minutes — generally not billable
- Family therapy sessions — use 90846 or 90847
- Group therapy sessions — use 90853
Common Denial Reasons
- Session time not documented or documented as under 16 minutes
- Documentation does not reflect psychotherapeutic techniques
- Billed when session actually lasted 38+ minutes (should be 90834)
- Missing start/stop times in the clinical note
Payer Notes
Some payers reimburse 90832 at a significantly lower rate, making 90834 preferable when session length qualifies. Always document exact session start and stop times.
Frequently Asked Questions
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