CPT 90832 reports an individual outpatient psychotherapy session of approximately 30 minutes with the patient. It is one of three time-based codes clinicians choose based on the total documented session length.
When to use 90832
Select 90832 when the total face-to-face psychotherapy time is 16–37 minutes. For 38–52 minutes use 90834, and for 53–67 minutes use 90837. Match the code to actual documented time, not the scheduled slot.
How to bill it
Report a single unit chosen by total session minutes; do not add units together. Document start and stop times. Prescribers delivering therapy with an E/M service use the add-on codes 90833–90838 instead.
Common pitfalls
- Billing 90832 plus another individual therapy code for the same session.
- Choosing the code by appointment length rather than documented face-to-face time.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose between 90832, 90834, and 90837?
Use total documented psychotherapy time: 16–37 minutes is 90832, 38–52 minutes is 90834, and 53–67 minutes is 90837. Pick the single code whose range fits the session.
Do I need to document exact times?
Yes. Record actual start and stop times so the selected code is defensible during an audit.