How To Use CPT Code 90847

CPT 90847 is a code for family psychotherapy with the patient present, focusing on counseling and treatment of psychological issues affecting the patient and their family. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 90847.

1. What is CPT 90847?

CPT 90847 is a code used to represent family psychotherapy sessions where the patient is present. These sessions are conducted to address psychological issues affecting the patient and their family, and to evaluate the treatment plan and role of family members in the treatment process. The term “family” may include traditional family members, significant others involved in the care of the patient, or live-in companions.

2. 90847 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 90847 is: “Family psychotherapy (conjoint psychotherapy) (with patient present), 50 minutes.”

3. Procedure

The 90847 procedure involves the following steps:

1. The provider meets with the patient and their family members or significant others.
2. Psychotherapy sessions, also known as talk therapy, are conducted to assess the interpersonal relationships between the patient and their family members.
3. The provider evaluates the approach of family members in coping with conflicts and other issues related to the patient.
4. The treatment plan is examined and adjusted, which may include medications or subsequent psychotherapy sessions.
5. The responsibility of family members in the treatment process is assessed and clarified.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 90847 services are those who require family psychotherapy sessions to address psychological issues affecting them and their family members. This may include patients with mental health disorders, substance abuse issues, or other conditions that impact their interpersonal relationships and overall well-being. The patient must be present during the session, and the session should last for at least 50 minutes.

5. When to use CPT code 90847

It is appropriate to bill the 90847 CPT code when a provider conducts a family psychotherapy session with the patient present, and the session focuses on addressing psychological issues affecting the patient and their family members. The session should be at least 50 minutes long, and the patient’s treatment plan should be evaluated and adjusted as necessary during the session.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 90847, the following information should be documented:

• The patient’s diagnosis and the reason for the family psychotherapy session.
• The names and relationships of the family members or significant others present during the session.
• A detailed description of the issues discussed and the interventions provided during the session.
• The duration of the session, which should be at least 50 minutes.
• Any changes made to the patient’s treatment plan, including medications or additional psychotherapy sessions.
• The role and responsibilities of family members in the treatment process.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 90847, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. Some tips and codes that apply to CPT code 90847 include:

• Do not report CPT codes 90846 and 90847 for family psychotherapy services lasting less than 26 minutes.
• Do not report CPT codes 90846 and 90847 in conjunction with codes 97151, 97152, 97153, 97154, 97155, 97156, 97157, 97158, 0362T, or 0373T.
• Ensure that the documentation requirements listed above are met to support the claim for CPT 90847.

8. Historical information

CPT 90847 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was changed on January 1, 2017, with the previous descriptor being “Family psychotherapy (conjoint psychotherapy) (with patient present).”

9. Similar codes to CPT 90847

Five similar codes to CPT 90847 and how they differentiate from CPT 90847 are:

1. CPT 90846: This code is for family psychotherapy without the patient present, focusing on counseling and treatment of psychological issues affecting the family members.
2. CPT 90832: This code represents individual psychotherapy sessions lasting 30 minutes, focusing on the patient’s psychological issues without the involvement of family members.
3. CPT 90834: This code is for individual psychotherapy sessions lasting 45 minutes, addressing the patient’s psychological issues without the involvement of family members.
4. CPT 90837: This code represents individual psychotherapy sessions lasting 60 minutes, focusing on the patient’s psychological issues without the involvement of family members.
5. CPT 90853: This code is for group psychotherapy sessions, where multiple patients participate in a therapy session together, addressing their psychological issues in a group setting.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 90847 procedures:

1. A family with a child diagnosed with ADHD participates in a 50-minute session to discuss strategies for managing the child’s behavior and improving family dynamics.
2. A couple attends a 50-minute session with their therapist to address communication issues and conflicts arising from one partner’s depression.
3. A family participates in a 50-minute session to discuss coping strategies and support for a family member struggling with substance abuse.
4. A patient with an eating disorder and their parents attend a 50-minute session to address the impact of the disorder on the family and develop a treatment plan.
5. A family attends a 50-minute session to discuss the impact of a recent traumatic event on the family’s mental health and well-being.
6. A patient with bipolar disorder and their spouse participate in a 50-minute session to address the challenges and adjustments needed in their relationship.
7. A family attends a 50-minute session to discuss the impact of a parent’s anxiety disorder on the family dynamics and develop coping strategies.
8. A patient with PTSD and their partner attend a 50-minute session to address the impact of the disorder on their relationship and develop a treatment plan.
9. A family participates in a 50-minute session to discuss the challenges and adjustments needed after a family member is diagnosed with a chronic illness.
10. A couple attends a 50-minute session with their therapist to address conflicts and communication issues arising from one partner’s grief after the loss of a loved one.