๐ In This Article
Why Mental Health Billing Is Different
Mental health billing involves unique CPT code families (90xxx series), strict documentation requirements, mental health parity law implications, and increasingly complex telehealth billing rules. Mistakes are common and costly.
Key CPT Codes for Mental Health
| Code | Description | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 90791 | Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation | 45โ60 min |
| 90832 | Psychotherapy, 30 min | 30 min |
| 90834 | Psychotherapy, 45 min | 45 min |
| 90837 | Psychotherapy, 60 min | 60 min |
| 90847 | Family psychotherapy with patient | 50 min |
| 99213+90833 | E/M + add-on psychotherapy | Combined visit |
Mental Health Parity Law and Billing
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) requires insurers to cover mental health services at the same level as medical services. If a payer denies a mental health claim citing limits that wouldn't apply to medical services, this may be a parity violation worth appealing.
Telehealth Billing for Mental Health
Behavioral health has been at the forefront of telehealth expansion. Mental health visits can often be billed via audio-only for patients without video capability. Specific coding rules apply โ a virtual billing specialist keeps these current for your practice.
Behavioral Health Billing Experts
Our billing specialists include mental health-specific experience.
Get a Free Consultation โ