CPT Code 90840: Psychotherapy for Crisis, Each Additional 30 minutes
Reviewed against AMA CPT and CMS guidance. See sources.
What is CPT 90840?
CPT 90840 is the add-on for psychotherapy for crisis, each additional 30 minutes. It is reported with 90839 once crisis psychotherapy on the same date reaches 75 minutes. One unit covers 75 to 104 minutes, two units cover 105 to 134 minutes, and so on. It is never billed alone.
Add-on code for crisis psychotherapy that continues beyond the time covered by 90839. Billed for each additional 30 minutes and only together with 90839.
Time Requirements
Each additional 30 minutes beyond the first 74 minutes of crisis psychotherapy. 75 to 104 total minutes is 90839 plus one unit of 90840; 105 to 134 minutes is 90839 plus two units.
Modifiers
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 95 | Synchronous audio-video telehealth. Many payers also require a telehealth place of service code (02 or 10). |
Billing a session by video or phone? See telehealth modifiers 95, 93, GT and POS 02 vs 10.
When to Use
- Crisis psychotherapy that lasts 75 minutes or more on the same date
- Prolonged crisis stabilization, safety planning, or coordination of a higher level of care within the crisis session
When Not to Use
- On its own: it must be billed with 90839
- Crisis psychotherapy under 75 minutes total: bill 90839 alone
- Routine therapy that runs long: use 90837
What to Document for CPT 90840
- Total crisis minutes, with start and stop times
- Why crisis-level care continued past 74 minutes
- Interventions and resources used in the additional time
- Disposition
Common Denial Reasons
- Billed without 90839 on the same claim
- Total time does not reach 75 minutes
- Documentation does not justify continued crisis-level care
Payer Notes
Each additional unit must be supported by documented time and continued crisis-level work. Several units of 90840 in one day will draw review. Payer rules vary.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How many units of 90840 can I bill?
One unit for each additional 30 minutes beyond the first 74 minutes. CPT sets no cap, but each unit must be supported by documented time and ongoing crisis-level care, and multiple units draw scrutiny.
When does 90840 start?
At 75 minutes of total crisis psychotherapy on the same date. Up to 74 minutes is billed as 90839 alone.
Can 90840 be billed without 90839?
No. It is an add-on code and is only reported with 90839 for the same date.
Does the extra crisis time have to be continuous?
No. Crisis time can add up over the same date, as long as the clinician gives the client full attention during it.
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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