Knowing which mental health CPT codes to use after rendering services is an important part of being a therapist in 2022. Every therapist is responsible for filing claims with their client’s insurance in order to get paid unless that therapist has decided not to accept insurance. Each claim that you submit has information that is required to be included on it in order for it to be approved. One thing that every mental health billing claim will require is a CPT code.

CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology. These codes are used to identify what services you rendered to your client and are now seeking payment for. They must be accurate in order for a claim to be approved. Too often, providers make mistakes in their billing codes, causing denied claims and delays in their payments. 

Most providers will tell you that they have experienced the frustration and challenge around the claim process and most will tell you that they have had a claim denied due to an error in their coding. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most-used mental health CPT codes and how to improve your claims process. 

Most-Used Mental Health CPT Codes 

1. 90832 – Psychotherapy, 30 Minutes (visit lasted anywhere from 16 to 37 minutes) 
2. 90834 – Psychotherapy, 45 Minutes (visit lasted anywhere from 38 to 52 minutes) 
3. 90837 – Psychotherapy, 60 Minutes (visit lasted longer than 53 minutes) 
4. 90839 – Psychotherapy for Crisis, 60 Minutes (visit lasted 30 to 74 minutes) 
   1. +90840 – Add-on code for additional time, 30 minutes. 
5. 90847 – Family or Couples Psychotherapy (patient present)
6. 90853 – Group Psychotherapy (not family) 

Why Improving Your Revenue Cycle Management Matters

Streamline Payments – With an effective billing workflow in place, providers will find that they receive more in-full and on-time payments from insurance companies. An increase in clean claims leads to fewer delays in reimbursements and fewer headaches as a result. 

Reduced Workflow Burden – You did not study to become a therapist just so you could deal with the headaches related to mental health billing. Implementing tools and strategies to improve your revenue cycle can reduce workflow/administrative burden. 

Focus on What Matters – Rather than waste hours of your time chasing down payments from payers and submitting denied claims over and over, an effective revenue cycle gives you more time for what matters. Your clients should always be your number one priority, but revenue matters so that you can continue to do what you love. The right tools or services can improve your mental health CPT codes/billing process and return your time back to your clients. 

How to Improve Your Claims Cycle 

A good understanding of mental health CPT codes will definitely help you on your journey to improve your revenue, but true optimization of your revenue cycle involves more. So what do you need to optimize your claim cycle and improve your revenue cycle?

Managed Billing Services 

What are managed billing services? Also known as Revenue Cycle Management Services, this is a resource that enables providers to optimize their bottom line. Rather than manage their entire billing process on their own, providers hand over the most complicated parts to expert mental health billers. The benefits of managed billing services include: 

• Claim Validation – A managed billing partner can scrub your claim for errors. This means catching any errors in mental health CPT codes before they ever make it to the payer. By reducing these errors, claims are more likely to be approved the first time they are submitted. 
• Claim Submission – It is your job to offer the best mental health services possible to your client. Rather than face the distractions and frustrations of claim submission, let a billing partner take over the grunt of the work for you. All you would have to do is record your appointments and complete your notes. 
• Claim Rejection/Denial Follow-Up – Should a claim be rejected or denied, it is important to follow up on it as soon as possible so you can still get paid. Your billing partner will help you determine what went wrong and make the necessary corrections to get your claim approved. 
• Payment Posting and Reconciliation – Your managed billing partner will keep track of your billing remittances so that you do not have to. They will post the payments to your client’s accounts, keeping client ledgers accurate. 
• Dedicated Billing Specialist – A common concern with outsourcing Mental health billing is that there is often a lack of personal touch in that relationship. Providers need a person they can call with questions and know that their billing is being handled appropriately. The right billing partner will offer a dedicated billing specialist. 

Mental health CPT codes are a necessary part of accepting insurance at your practice. Rather than force yourself to become an expert on billing, take that time and return it to your clients by outsourcing your mental health CPT code and billing process to a qualified billing expert. 

MyClientsPlus, in addition to its practice management software and stellar customer support, also provides managed billing services. 

Interested in learning more about MyClientPlus’ revenue cycle management services and receiving a free consultation? Fill out the form below: