Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Diagnostic

90840 CPT

Psychotherapy for crisis; each additional 30 minutes (add-on)

System

CPT code

Timing

Time-based — 30-min units

Add-on

Yes — needs a primary code

CPT 90840 is the add-on to 90839, used when a crisis psychotherapy session extends beyond the first 60 minutes.

When to use 90840

Add 90840 to 90839 for each additional 30 minutes of crisis intervention. It is never used without the primary 90839 code.

How to bill it

Report as an add-on to 90839 on the same date, documenting the total crisis intervention time.

Common pitfalls

  • Billing 90840 without 90839 on the same date.
  • Reporting it for a non-crisis extended session.

Frequently asked questions

When do I add 90840?

Add 90840 when a qualifying crisis session (90839) lasts longer than 60 minutes, for each additional 30 minutes.

Can 90840 stand alone?

No. It is strictly an add-on to 90839 and cannot be billed without it.

Related Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Diagnostic codes

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