CPT 90871 reports electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with multiple seizures in a single day, including necessary monitoring. It is the multiple-seizure counterpart to 90870.
When to use 90871
Use 90871 when more than one seizure is induced during a single ECT treatment day. For a single seizure, use 90870. As with 90870, it is physician-only.
How to bill it
Report once per treatment day with multiple seizures. Confirm payer and facility billing rules for ECT.
Common pitfalls
- Using 90870 when multiple seizures were actually delivered.
- Billing ECT under a non-physician provider.
Frequently asked questions
When do I use 90871 instead of 90870?
Use 90871 when multiple seizures are delivered in a single treatment day; 90870 is for a single seizure.
Is 90871 physician-only?
Yes. ECT, including 90871, must be performed by a physician (MD/DO).