How To Use CPT Code 90865

CPT 90865 describes the administration of a narcotic drug for psychiatric diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 90865?

CPT 90865 can be used to describe the administration of a narcotic drug for psychiatric diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This code is used when a provider administers a sedative hypnotic, such as sodium amobarbital (Amytal), to induce a hypnotic state in the patient. The purpose of this procedure is to help with psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 90865 is: ‘Narcosynthesis for psychiatric diagnostic and therapeutic purposes (eg, sodium amobarbital (Amytal) interview).’ This code specifically refers to the administration of a narcotic drug, such as Amytal, for psychiatric purposes.

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the provider administers a narcotic drug, such as sodium amobarbital (Amytal), to the patient.
2. The narcotic drug induces a hypnotic state in the patient, allowing them to release thoughts that may be suppressed or repressed.
3. During the hypnotic state, the provider conducts an interview with the patient, asking questions and evaluating their memory.
4. The provider uses the interview to gather information and assist in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.
5. The Amytal interview can be used to assess and manage conditions such as catatonia, unexplained muteness, and to differentiate between depressive, schizophrenic, and organic stuporous states.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 90865 is used for patients who require psychiatric diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This procedure is typically used in cases where the patient may be voluntarily guarding against revealing certain information. It is important to note that Amytal interviews have a role in the assessment and initial management of catatonia, unexplained muteness, and in distinguishing between depressive, schizophrenic, and organic stuporous states.

5. When to use CPT code 90865

CPT code 90865 should be used when a provider administers a narcotic drug, such as Amytal, for psychiatric diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It is important to ensure that the drug is administered for the specific purpose of inducing a hypnotic state and conducting an interview for psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 90865, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for psychiatric diagnostic and therapeutic purposes
• Specific narcotic drug administered, such as sodium amobarbital (Amytal)
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the interview conducted during the hypnotic state
• Any relevant findings or observations made during the procedure
• Signature of the provider administering the drug and conducting the interview

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 90865, ensure that the procedure involves the administration of a narcotic drug, such as Amytal, for psychiatric diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and requirements set by the payer for reporting this code. Additionally, consider any applicable modifiers or additional codes that may need to be reported in conjunction with CPT 90865.

8. Historical information

CPT 90865 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider administers sodium amobarbital (Amytal) to a patient with unexplained muteness to assess their condition and assist in treatment planning.
2. During an Amytal interview, a provider uses the hypnotic state induced by the drug to gather information and differentiate between depressive and schizophrenic states in a patient.
3. A provider administers Amytal to a patient with catatonia to evaluate their condition and determine appropriate treatment options.
4. During an Amytal interview, a provider assesses a patient’s memory and elicits information to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of an organic stuporous state.
5. A provider uses Amytal to induce a hypnotic state in a patient and conducts an interview to gather information and assist in the diagnosis and treatment of a psychiatric condition.
6. During an Amytal interview, a provider administers the drug to a patient to evaluate their memory and elicit information that may be suppressed or repressed.
7. A provider uses Amytal to induce a hypnotic state in a patient and conducts an interview to assess their condition and determine appropriate treatment options.
8. During an Amytal interview, a provider administers the drug to a patient to differentiate between depressive and schizophrenic states and aid in treatment planning.
9. A provider administers Amytal to a patient with unexplained muteness to evaluate their condition and assist in determining appropriate treatment options.
10. During an Amytal interview, a provider uses the hypnotic state induced by the drug to gather information and aid in the diagnosis and treatment of a psychiatric condition.