CPT 90853 reports group psychotherapy, a therapist-led session typically involving 4–12 patients. It is the standard code for general (non-family) therapy groups.
When to use 90853
Use 90853 for a structured group therapy session. Do not bill individual therapy codes for group participants, and distinguish it from multiple-family group therapy (90849).
How to bill it
Report per session per participant as allowed by the payer, documenting the group focus and each member’s participation.
Common pitfalls
- Billing individual therapy for a group participant.
- Confusing 90853 with 90849 multiple-family groups.
Frequently asked questions
How many participants are typical for 90853?
Group therapy under 90853 usually involves around 4–12 patients led by a clinician.
Can group members also bill individual therapy?
Individual and group therapy are separate services billed on different occasions; do not bill individual codes for attendance at a 90853 group.