Mental Health providers are much different than typical doctors who can load 10 different offices and see multiple patients in a hour.  A mental health professional can only see one patient in a hour, unless there is a group session or a family counseling session.  This is why it is important to control your "No-Shows."  Do you have a "No-Show" policy for your office?

When billing insurance it is important to understand the codes to maximize your time and reimbursement.

90834- Psychotherapy, 38-45 minutes with patient

90837- Psychotherapy, 53+ minutes with patient  (Some insurance companies require a special authorization)

90847- Family psychotherapy, conjoint psychotherapy with the patient present

The codes represent the face to face time with the patient.  It DOES NOT include scheduling the next session nor note taking.

Professionally, I have become amazed of the providers that are using 90834 and seeing patients for 53+ minutes.  In this case you are under-coding, the correct code in this case is 90837, which pays the most of the three codes listed.

Of the three CPT codes listed insurance pays the most with 90837.  EXCEPT United Behavioral Health which requires a separate authorization for CPT 90837.