How To Use CPT Code 90882

CPT 90882 describes the environmental intervention for medical management purposes on a psychiatric patient’s behalf with agencies, employers, or institutions. 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 90882?

CPT 90882 can be used to describe the service provided by a healthcare provider to work with outside agencies, employers, or other healthcare providers regarding the patient’s physical environment to help manage a psychiatric patient’s medical care. This code is used when the provider engages in discussions and interventions related to the impact of the environment on the patient’s condition and works towards achieving changes in the physical environment to aid in the patient’s medical management.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 90882 is: ‘Environmental intervention for medical management purposes on a psychiatric patient’s behalf with agencies, employers, or institutions.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider collaborates with outside agencies, employers, or other healthcare providers to assess the patient’s physical environment and its impact on their medical condition.
2. Discussions are held with relevant parties to determine if any changes can be made to the physical environment to alleviate the patient’s condition or improve their medical management.
3. If necessary, the provider may work with the state’s office of vocational rehabilitation to explore options for retraining the patient for a new career if their mental disorder prevents them from continuing in their current job.
4. Throughout the process, the provider maintains communication and coordination with the involved parties to ensure the implementation of any necessary changes.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 90882 is applicable when a healthcare provider engages in environmental intervention for medical management purposes on behalf of a psychiatric patient. This may involve discussions with outside agencies, employers, or other healthcare providers to address the impact of the patient’s physical environment on their condition. The goal is to achieve changes in the physical environment that can aid in the patient’s medical management. The service is specifically focused on psychiatric patients and their unique needs in relation to their environment.

5. When to use CPT code 90882

CPT code 90882 should be used when a healthcare provider engages in environmental intervention for medical management purposes on behalf of a psychiatric patient. It is appropriate when discussions and interventions are conducted with outside agencies, employers, or other healthcare providers to address the impact of the patient’s physical environment on their condition. This code should not be used for interventions that do not involve the patient’s physical environment or for patients who do not have a psychiatric condition.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 90882, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Details of the discussions and interventions conducted with outside agencies, employers, or other healthcare providers
• Explanation of the impact of the patient’s physical environment on their condition
• Documentation of any changes made to the physical environment to aid in the patient’s medical management
• Communication and coordination efforts with involved parties
• Signature of the healthcare provider providing the service

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 90882, ensure that the service involves environmental intervention for medical management purposes on behalf of a psychiatric patient. The provider should engage in discussions and interventions with outside agencies, employers, or other healthcare providers related to the patient’s physical environment. It is important to note that CPT code 90882 should not be reported with other codes unless specific circumstances warrant it. Additional guidelines for accurate billing can be obtained from the relevant coding and billing resources.

8. Historical information

CPT 90882 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider working with an employer to modify a work environment to reduce stressors for a psychiatric patient.
2. A provider collaborating with a vocational rehabilitation agency to explore career options for a patient unable to continue working due to a mental disorder.
3. A healthcare provider discussing with a patient’s family the need for a supportive and calm home environment to aid in the patient’s medical management.
4. A provider engaging in discussions with a school administration to implement accommodations for a student with a psychiatric condition.
5. A healthcare provider working with a housing agency to secure safe and stable housing for a psychiatric patient.
6. A provider coordinating with a social service organization to provide resources and support for a patient transitioning from a psychiatric facility to independent living.
7. A healthcare provider collaborating with a community organization to create a supportive environment for individuals with mental health disorders.
8. A provider engaging in discussions with a patient’s therapist to ensure consistency in the patient’s treatment plan across different healthcare settings.
9. A healthcare provider working with a caregiver to create a structured and calming home environment for a psychiatric patient.
10. A provider collaborating with an insurance company to advocate for coverage of necessary environmental modifications for a psychiatric patient.