CPT Code 90834: Individual Psychotherapy, 38-52 minutes
Reviewed against AMA CPT and CMS guidance. See sources.
What is CPT 90834?
CPT 90834 is individual psychotherapy, 45 minutes, billed when face-to-face psychotherapy time lasts 38 to 52 minutes under CPT time rules. It is one of the most commonly billed outpatient therapy codes. Shorter sessions (16 to 37 minutes) use 90832, and 53 minutes or more use 90837. Prescribers adding psychotherapy to a same-day E/M visit use 90836.
Individual psychotherapy lasting 38 to 52 minutes, the length of a typical weekly therapy session. Appropriate for any psychotherapy modality when the time and the psychotherapeutic work are documented.
Time Requirements
38 to 52 minutes of psychotherapy time with the client (CPT lists 45 minutes). Time spent on notes, scheduling, or billing does not count.
Modifiers
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 95 | Synchronous audio-video telehealth. Many payers also require a telehealth place of service code (02 or 10). |
| 93 | Synchronous audio-only service, where the payer allows audio-only care. |
| HO | Master's degree level clinician (required by some Medicaid programs). |
Billing a session by video or phone? See telehealth modifiers 95, 93, GT and POS 02 vs 10.
When to Use
- Individual psychotherapy sessions lasting 38 to 52 minutes
- Regularly scheduled outpatient therapy appointments
- Any psychotherapy modality (CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, humanistic, and others)
When Not to Use
- Under 38 minutes: use 90832
- 53 minutes or more: use 90837
- Same day as an E/M service by the same prescriber: use add-on 90836
- Family or couples sessions: use 90846 or 90847
- Group sessions: use 90853
What to Document for CPT 90834
- Start and stop times, or total psychotherapy minutes
- The psychotherapeutic intervention used and how it relates to the treatment plan
- Client response, progress toward goals, and any change in symptoms
- Risk assessment when indicated
- Plan for the next session
Common Denial Reasons
- Documented time outside the 38 to 52 minute range
- No start and stop times or total minutes when the payer requires them
- Note lacks a psychotherapeutic intervention or link to treatment goals
- Billed with an E/M service the same day instead of add-on 90836
- Authorization or annual visit limit exceeded
Payer Notes
Payer rules vary. Many plans cover 90834 without prior authorization for an initial set of visits, while others cap visits per year or require authorization. Confirm benefits, and check whether the payer wants start and stop times on every note.
ICD-10 diagnosis codes
Every claim pairs the CPT code with the diagnosis the clinician documented. See the mental health ICD-10 code reference or a condition guide:
Related Codes
Compare CPT 90834
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts toward the 38 to 52 minutes?
Only face-to-face psychotherapy time with the client, with family members taking part if the client is present for all or part of it. Note writing, phone calls with others, treatment planning without the client, and care coordination do not count.
What is the difference between 90834 and 90837?
Time. 90834 covers 38 to 52 minutes of psychotherapy and 90837 covers 53 minutes or more. Pick the code from the minutes you actually spent in psychotherapy and document start and stop times. For a side-by-side table, documentation tips, and payer notes, see our CPT 90834 vs 90837 comparison guide.
What is the difference between 90834 and 90832?
Time. 90834 covers 38 to 52 minutes of psychotherapy and 90832 covers 16 to 37 minutes. A 37-minute session is 90832. For a side-by-side table and documentation tips, see our CPT 90832 vs 90834 comparison guide.
Can I bill 90834 for telehealth sessions?
Yes, with most payers. The same time and documentation rules apply. Many payers require modifier 95 (or 93 for audio-only, where allowed) and a telehealth place of service code (02 or 10). Telehealth rules vary by payer and change often.
Can a prescriber bill 90834 and an E/M code on the same day?
No. When the same clinician provides an E/M service and psychotherapy on the same day, CPT directs them to report the E/M code plus add-on 90836 for 38 to 52 minutes of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy time cannot include time spent on the E/M service.
Can I bill 90834 with 90785?
Yes, when one of the interactive complexity factors is present and documented. It should be the exception rather than a routine add-on.
Sources: American Medical Association (AMA), CPT Professional codebook: code descriptors, psychotherapy time rules, and add-on code guidance. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) policy.
- AMA: CPT overview
- CMS: National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits
- CMS Medicare Coverage Database: Billing and Coding, Psychiatry and Psychology Services (A57480)
- CMS: Physician Fee Schedule relative value files
- CMS MLN901705: Telehealth and Remote Monitoring (PDF)
Payer rules vary. Confirm coverage, time, modifier, and documentation rules with each payer before billing. This page is general education, not billing or legal advice.
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