This page addresses follow-up questions and additional information pertinent to our webinar Psychiatric Diagnostic Procedures & Psychotherapy Coding.
The coding information and guidance are valid at the time of publishing. Learners are encouraged to research
subsequent official guidance in the areas associated with the topic as they can change rapidly.
Q: When psychotherapy services are furnished with a resident, in which manner is the teaching physician able to be present during the encounter?
A: If the teaching physician is not physically present, presence through the use of a 1-way mirror, video equipment, or like device is supported.
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/guidelines-teaching-physicians-interns-residents.pdf
Q: What amount of time must a teaching physician be present to bill psychotherapy services when furnished with a resident?
A: Psychotherapy codes 90832-90838 are time-based codes. The teaching physician must be present during the period indicated by the CPT code. For example, CPT 90832 represents 16-37 minutes of psychotherapy time. The teaching physician must be present for a minimum of 16 minutes, and the record must show the teaching physician took part in the service.
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/guidelines-teaching-physicians-interns-residents.pdf
A: For approved providers of mental health services, the state licensure or authorization must specify that the provider’s scope of practice includes the provision of clinical psychotherapy. Psychiatrists are physicians (MDs and Dos) trained in mental health disorders and may provide mental health services. All non-physician practitioners is limited to service which they are authorized to perform by the state in which they practice.
Tamara Jones, RHIT, CPC, CPMA, CRC
Senior Coding Quality Auditor
Tamara brings over 15 years to Haugen’s team of Coding Quality Auditors & educators. She began her career as a denials specialist, instilling the importance of accuracy from the start! Tamara has a very investigative, analytical mindset which guided her through the roles as claims and coding managers, finding her fit as an auditor. Tamara enjoys reviewing coding assignments, digging into the clinical documentation, and working with clients to share opportunities for improvement. She has identified opportunities for clients to improve clinical documentation, identify deficiencies in processes or guidelines, and provide education to help their staff excel!
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