Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Diagnostic

90863 CPT

Pharmacologic management (add-on)

System

CPT code

Timing

Per session (not a timed unit)

Add-on

Yes — needs a primary code

CPT 90863 is an add-on code for pharmacologic management—prescribing and reviewing medication—when performed with psychotherapy services on the same day.

When to use 90863

Add 90863 when a prescriber manages medication during the same encounter as psychotherapy. It cannot be billed alone and is not used with an E/M code (use the E/M-with-therapy add-ons instead).

How to bill it

Bill as an add-on to a psychotherapy code on the same date, documenting the medication review.

Common pitfalls

  • Billing 90863 without a psychotherapy code the same day.
  • Using it alongside an E/M service, which is not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

When is 90863 appropriate?

It is appropriate when a prescriber performs medication management in conjunction with psychotherapy during the same encounter.

Can 90863 be billed with an E/M code?

No. When an E/M service is involved with psychotherapy, use the appropriate E/M-with-therapy add-on codes (90833–90838) instead.

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