Individual psychotherapy is the core of most behavioral health practices. Billing for it correctly comes down to one thing: time. Misunderstanding the CPT time rule for 90832, 90834, and 90837 can lead to consistent under-billing or, worse, major audit risk.

The Three Core Psychotherapy Codes

CPT 90832 (30-minute session):

• Bill this code for sessions lasting 16 to 37 minutes.

CPT 90834 (45-minute session):

• This is the most common code, billed for sessions lasting 38 to 52 minutes.

CPT 90837 (60-minute session):

• Bill this code for sessions lasting 53 minutes or more.

The CPT Time Rule

• The time listed on the code (e.g., 45 minutes) is the target time. You must meet the "midpoint" to bill the code. For 90834 (45 min), the midpoint is 38 minutes.
• This time is for face-to-face (or tele-video) time with the patient. It does not include charting time after the session.
• Your documentation must include either the Start and Stop time OR the Total Face-to-Face Time to support the code you billed.

The "Add-On" Code Myth