CPT 90838 is the add-on code for 60 minutes of psychotherapy delivered alongside an E/M service. It is the longest of the psychotherapy-with-E/M add-on codes.
When to use 90838
Add 90838 when roughly 53–67 minutes of psychotherapy accompanies an E/M service. The 30- and 45-minute equivalents are 90833 and 90836.
How to bill it
Bill as an add-on to a qualifying E/M code, documenting the therapy time separately from the medical portion. Payers may scrutinize extended sessions.
Common pitfalls
- Using 90838 without a documented primary E/M service.
- Not separating therapy time from E/M time in the note.
Frequently asked questions
When should I use 90838?
Use it when a prescriber delivers about 53–67 minutes of psychotherapy in addition to an E/M service on the same date of service.
Is documentation different for 90838?
Yes. Clearly document the E/M portion and the psychotherapy portion separately, including distinct start and stop times for therapy.