Brief Guide to CPT Code 90837

If you are a mental health professional, this may feel familiar. You spend a full hour in a deep, meaningful session with a client. You submit the insurance claim, but weeks later it is denied or marked for review.

More people than ever are seeking mental health care. Almost one out of three adults has received treatment in recent years. Because of this increase, insurance companies are closely reviewing longer and more intensive session codes. One of the most closely checked codes is CPT Code 90837.

To avoid claim denials and delays, it is very important to understand the exact time limits and documentation rules for this code. When you follow these requirements correctly, you can get paid for the time you actually spend caring for your patients.

90837 CPT Code Description

CPT code 90837 is used to report a standard 60-minute individual psychotherapy session. It covers one-on-one treatment focused on improving a patient’s mental health through different types of talk therapy.

To use this code correctly, the session must last at least 53 minutes. If the session is shorter, a different CPT code should be used. This code applies to many treatment methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma counseling.

Mental health providers use CPT 90837 when a patient needs more in-depth care than what a typical 45-minute session provides.

Situations Where CPT Code 90837 is Applicable

Take a look at the scenarios below to see how this individual psychotherapy code is actually supposed to be used:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for an Eating Disorder

A therapist works with a 16-year-old patient who has an eating disorder and rapid weight loss. The patient struggles with serious body image issues and emotional distress. The session lasts nearly a full hour, around 58 minutes, because the therapist needs extra time to challenge harmful thoughts, plan safe meals, check health risks, and help the patient manage emotions. Due to the length of the session and the level of care involved,  90837CPT Code is the correct code.

Acute Anxiety Disorder Management

In this case, a psychologist treats a 21-year-old college student with severe anxiety and frequent panic attacks. The student experiences heart palpitations and avoids classes due to academic stress. The full 60-minute session is used to calm the patient, explain how panic attacks work, practice relaxation techniques, and create a clear plan to manage anxious thoughts between visits. Since the session requires the full hour to stabilize the patient, CPT 90837 is used.

Trauma Processing with EMDR Therapy for a Veteran

A mental health therapist provides care to a 60-year-old war veteran suffering from PTSD, including nightmares, intrusive memories, and emotional withdrawal. The therapist uses EMDR therapy, which follows specific steps and must be done carefully. 

The session lasts about 55 minutes to ensure the patient feels safe and emotionally balanced before leaving. Because the treatment is complex and requires extended time, CPT 90837 is billed.

Applicable Modifiers for CPT Code 90837

The applicable modifiers for CPT Code 90837 vary depending on the specific circumstances of the service provided and the requirements of the payer (e.g., Medicare, private insurance, Medicaid).

Modifier 95

Modifier 95 means the therapy session was done by telehealth using live video and audio. It is the most commonly used modifier for online sessions with Medicare and private insurance. This modifier is usually used with Place of Service code 02 for telehealth or 10 when the patient is at home.

CPT Code 90837 Billing & Reimbursement Guidelines

Billing mental health sessions can be tricky because insurance companies check them closely. Follow these guidelines to get paid on time and avoid delays or denials.

1. Check the Session Length

CPT 90837 is for therapy sessions that last 53–60 minutes. If your session is shorter, use CPT 90834 instead.

2. Explain Why Therapy is Needed

Always explain why the therapy is necessary with proper documentation. Include session time and other details to prevent claim denials.

3. Record All Session Details

Write down everything on the same day of the session to avoid missing information. Include symptoms, diagnosis, session methods, goals, and patient response.

4. Add Modifiers for Telehealth

If the session was virtual, add modifier 95 to CPT 90837. This tells the payer it was a real-time telehealth session.

5. Know Insurance Rules

Check each insurance company’s rules for CPT 90837. Following their billing requirements helps avoid delays and rejections.

Conclusion

CPT 90837 is an important code for one-hour individual psychotherapy sessions. To get paid correctly, make sure the session lasts at least 53 minutes and is well-documented. Always explain why the therapy is needed, record all session details, and use modifiers like 95 for telehealth when required.

Reviewing each insurance company’s rules can help avoid claim denials and delays. Following these simple steps ensures you are properly reimbursed for the care and time you provide, while keeping your billing accurate and compliant. Proper documentation protects both you and your patients.

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