CPT 90833 is an add-on code for 30 minutes of psychotherapy performed in addition to an evaluation and management (E/M) service. It is used by prescribers who deliver both medical management and therapy on the same date.
When to use 90833
Add 90833 when a prescriber delivers roughly 16–37 minutes of psychotherapy alongside an E/M service. The 45- and 60-minute equivalents are 90836 and 90838. Non-prescribers use the standalone 90832–90837 codes instead.
How to bill it
90833 is add-on only and requires a primary E/M code on the same date. The therapy time must be documented separately from the medical portion of the visit.
Common pitfalls
- Billing 90833 without a qualifying E/M service the same day.
- Counting E/M time as psychotherapy time, or vice versa.
Frequently asked questions
When would I use 90833 instead of 90832?
Use 90833 when you also bill an E/M service on the same date. If therapy is the only service, bill the standalone code 90832 instead.
Does 90833 apply to non-prescribing therapists?
Generally no. It is intended for providers who deliver an E/M service and psychotherapy together, typically prescribers.