CPT code 90837: Psychotherapy, 60 minutes, no E/M2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Miami, FL
Individual psychotherapy lasting at least 53 minutes is reported with 90837 when the clinician provides the patient's therapy without reporting an E/M service.
In Miami, FL, Medicare pays $169.67 for 90837 in the office and $136.64 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 90837 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 12 sections
What 90837 covers
This extended individual psychotherapy session uses therapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive therapy, or trauma-focused work to treat a mental health or substance use condition. The clinician works with the patient; a family member or caregiver may participate when the focus remains the patient's individual treatment. Psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors may furnish the service in offices, outpatient settings, or eligible telehealth encounters.
Select 90837 when documented psychotherapy time reaches at least 53 minutes; shorter individual sessions may qualify for 90834 or 90832. Record the psychotherapy time, therapeutic approach, patient's response, and progress toward treatment goals. Do not count scheduling, documentation, or separately reported E/M work as psychotherapy time. If the same clinician also reports an E/M service, report the psychotherapy portion with add-on 90838 rather than 90837. CMS assigns 3.78 work RVUs; its office practice expense RVU is higher than its facility practice expense RVU, so place of service affects payment.
This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.
Billing guides for 90837: 90834 vs 90837 · Psychotherapy CPT codes · Mental health billing
How Miami, FL compares for 90837
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 90837 runs from $161.03 in Arkansas to $232.44 in Alaska. Miami, FL pays $169.67. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Miami, FL · this page$169.67
- Fort Lauderdale, FL · Florida$168.07−$1.60
- Rest of Florida · Florida$165.58−$4.09
- Los Angeles, CA · California$179.29+$9.62
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$181.03+$11.36
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$168.95−$0.72
- Manhattan, NY · New York$181.97+$12.30
Other areas in Florida first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlaskaAlaska | $232.44 | $198.64 |
| AlabamaAlabama | $161.70 | $133.94 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $161.03 | $133.77 |
| ArizonaArizona | $165.67 | $134.92 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $172.99 | $138.21 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $172.69 | $137.91 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $172.69 | $137.91 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $172.69 | $137.91 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $172.69 | $137.91 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $172.69 | $137.91 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $172.69 | $137.91 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $172.69 | $137.91 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $187.38 | $145.55 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $177.58 | $140.08 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $172.69 | $137.91 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $172.69 | $137.91 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $173.03 | $138.25 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $177.77 | $140.87 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $176.98 | $140.21 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $178.34 | $140.39 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $195.07 | $150.33 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $195.05 | $150.31 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $198.30 | $152.54 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $198.21 | $152.45 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $174.41 | $138.27 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $177.96 | $139.41 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $176.88 | $139.88 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $179.62 | $140.66 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $172.69 | $137.91 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $187.34 | $145.52 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $172.69 | $137.91 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $172.69 | $137.91 |
| ColoradoColorado | $170.94 | $137.18 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $172.76 | $138.58 |
| DelawareDelaware | $167.09 | $135.74 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $168.16 | $135.92 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $162.80 | $134.50 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $172.21 | $136.14 |
| IowaIowa | $163.19 | $134.16 |
| IdahoIdaho | $163.45 | $134.25 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $164.48 | $135.28 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $163.89 | $134.92 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $169.49 | $136.90 |
| IndianaIndiana | $163.74 | $134.32 |
| KansasKansas | $162.83 | $134.14 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $162.50 | $134.29 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $164.73 | $134.87 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $162.37 | $134.29 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $179.88 | $142.00 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $171.01 | $137.60 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $172.11 | $138.06 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $168.69 | $136.58 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $163.55 | $134.35 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $166.40 | $134.95 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $166.06 | $135.44 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $163.60 | $134.63 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $167.70 | $135.05 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $164.54 | $134.75 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $165.08 | $134.87 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $161.46 | $134.10 |
| MississippiMississippi | $161.26 | $133.94 |
| MontanaMontana | $167.00 | $135.27 |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $164.08 | $134.47 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $166.61 | $134.88 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $163.50 | $134.22 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $168.56 | $135.53 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $181.42 | $144.61 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $175.81 | $141.16 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $163.81 | $134.71 |
| NevadaNevada | $166.93 | $135.17 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $183.23 | $145.50 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $176.63 | $141.89 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $182.67 | $145.17 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $164.80 | $134.66 |
| OhioOhio | $163.52 | $134.55 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $162.57 | $134.23 |
| Portland, OROregon | $173.30 | $138.05 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $166.65 | $135.04 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $171.05 | $138.02 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $163.68 | $134.55 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $167.44 | $135.36 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $170.65 | $137.88 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $163.86 | $134.54 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $166.56 | $134.83 |
| TennesseeTennessee | $163.05 | $134.20 |
| Austin, TXTexas | $169.51 | $135.93 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $163.35 | $134.47 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $167.51 | $136.06 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $167.89 | $136.28 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $167.49 | $136.21 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $167.62 | $136.11 |
| Houston, TXTexas | $167.99 | $136.48 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $164.90 | $134.78 |
| UtahUtah | $164.53 | $134.70 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $166.13 | $134.94 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $167.44 | $135.36 |
| VermontVermont | $166.27 | $134.86 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $170.61 | $137.20 |
| King County, WAWashington | $182.29 | $143.36 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $164.86 | $134.46 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $162.04 | $134.47 |
| WyomingWyoming | $166.83 | $135.10 |
90837 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
Explore a state
Local rates. Clear comparisons.
Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.
$161.03
$232.44
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $232.44 | 1 |
| AL | $161.70 | 1 |
| AR | $161.03 | 1 |
| AZ | $165.67 | 1 |
| CA | $172.69–$198.30 | 29 |
| CO | $170.94 | 1 |
| CT | $172.76 | 1 |
| DC | $181.03 | 1 |
| DE | $167.09 | 1 |
| FL | $165.58–$169.67 | 3 |
| GA | $162.80–$168.16 | 2 |
| GU | $172.21 | 1 |
| HI | $172.21 | 1 |
| IA | $163.19 | 1 |
| ID | $163.45 | 1 |
| IL | $163.89–$169.49 | 4 |
| IN | $163.74 | 1 |
| KS | $162.83 | 1 |
| KY | $162.50 | 1 |
| LA | $162.37–$164.73 | 2 |
| MA | $171.01–$179.88 | 2 |
| MD | $168.69–$181.03 | 3 |
| ME | $163.55–$166.40 | 2 |
| MI | $163.60–$166.06 | 2 |
| MN | $167.70 | 1 |
| MO | $161.46–$165.08 | 3 |
| MS | $161.26 | 1 |
| MT | $167.00 | 1 |
| NC | $164.08 | 1 |
| ND | $166.61 | 1 |
| NE | $163.50 | 1 |
| NH | $168.56 | 1 |
| NJ | $175.81–$181.42 | 2 |
| NM | $163.81 | 1 |
| NV | $166.93 | 1 |
| NY | $164.80–$183.23 | 5 |
| OH | $163.52 | 1 |
| OK | $162.57 | 1 |
| OR | $166.65–$173.30 | 2 |
| PA | $163.68–$171.05 | 2 |
| PR | $167.44 | 1 |
| RI | $170.65 | 1 |
| SC | $163.86 | 1 |
| SD | $166.56 | 1 |
| TN | $163.05 | 1 |
| TX | $163.35–$169.51 | 8 |
| UT | $164.53 | 1 |
| VA | $166.13–$181.03 | 2 |
| VI | $167.44 | 1 |
| VT | $166.27 | 1 |
| WA | $170.61–$182.29 | 2 |
| WI | $164.86 | 1 |
| WV | $162.04 | 1 |
| WY | $166.83 | 1 |
How the 90837 rate is calculated
Each of 90837’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.
How the rate is built · 90837
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work3.78
3.78 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense1.20
1.20 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.02
0.02 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
5.0000
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$167.00
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Miami, FL inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
11,533
- Code
- 90837
- Physician work
- 3.78
- Practice expense
- 1.20
- Malpractice
- 0.02
GPCI2026.csv
42
- Locality
- Miami, FL
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 1.041
- Malpractice
- 2.529
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 3.78 | × 1.000 | 3.7800 |
| Practice expense | 1.20 | × 1.041 | 1.2492 |
| Malpractice | 0.02 | × 2.529 | 0.0506 |
| Total RVUs | 5.0798 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Miami, FL$169.67
Office: (3.78 × 1 + 1.2 × 1.041 + 0.02 × 2.529) × $33.4009 = $169.67
Facility: (3.78 × 1 + 0.25 × 1.041 + 0.02 × 2.529) × $33.4009 = $136.64
Payment rules and modifiers for 90837
90837 has no global surgery period, no multiple-procedure, bilateral or assistant-at-surgery adjustment, and no professional/technical split. What changes the payment is where the service happens: the place of service on the claim decides whether Medicare pays the office or the facility rate.
Place of service · 90837
Which rate does Medicare pay?
The POS code on the claim line (CMS-1500 box 24B).
POS 11 · non-facility rate · national
$167.00
- Non-facility (office)
- $167.00
- Facility
- $135.27
Higher because the practice carries its own overhead.
90837 compared with similar codes
Compare codes · National
90837 vs 90832 vs 90834: Medicare rates
Same family in Miami, FL
How to choose
- 90834Psychotherapy session45 minutes, without E/M
- Choose by documented psychotherapy time: at least 53 minutes supports 90837, while 38 to 52 minutes supports 90834. A 50-minute session does not meet the threshold for 90837.
- 90838PsychotherapyWith E/M, 60 minutes
- 90838 is the psychotherapy add-on paired with an E/M code when the same clinician provides at least 53 minutes of psychotherapy and reports E/M. Report 90837 for the psychotherapy session without that clinician's E/M service.
- 90839Crisis psychotherapyInitial 60 minutes
- 90839 describes urgent crisis assessment and intervention. Select 90837 for individual psychotherapy that meets its time threshold when the encounter is not crisis psychotherapy.
- 90847Family therapyPatient present, 50 minutes
- 90847 is family psychotherapy with the patient present and family interactions as the treatment focus. Report 90837 when treatment focuses on the individual patient, even if a family member participates.
How 90837 has changed in Miami, FL
90837 · Office / nonfacility
$169.67
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $10.57 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $159.10 to $169.67 (6.6%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.
What changed, release by release
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$159.10changed to$169.67
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 3.63 changed to 3.78
- Practice expense RVU 1.06 changed to 1.20
- Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.02
- Practice expense GPCI 1.027 changed to 1.041
- Malpractice GPCI 2.500 changed to 2.529
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$157.53changed to$159.10
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Work RVU 3.47 changed to 3.63
- Practice expense RVU 1.01 changed to 1.06
- Malpractice RVU 0.09 changed to 0.08
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$154.95changed to$157.53
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$152.12changed to$154.95
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Work RVU 3.31 changed to 3.47
- Practice expense RVU 0.95 changed to 1.01
- Malpractice RVU 0.08 changed to 0.09
- Practice expense GPCI 1.025 changed to 1.027
- Malpractice GPCI 2.564 changed to 2.500
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$157.83changed to$152.12
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 0.94 changed to 0.95
- Malpractice RVU 0.11 changed to 0.08
- Practice expense GPCI 1.023 changed to 1.025
- Malpractice GPCI 2.629 changed to 2.564
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$160.62changed to$157.83
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 0.93 changed to 0.94
- Malpractice RVU 0.13 changed to 0.11
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$148.58changed to$160.62
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Work RVU 3.00 changed to 3.31
- Practice expense RVU 0.81 changed to 0.93
- Malpractice RVU 0.11 changed to 0.13
- Practice expense GPCI 1.026 changed to 1.023
- Malpractice GPCI 2.598 changed to 2.629
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$143.88changed to$148.58
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 0.69 changed to 0.81
- Practice expense GPCI 1.029 changed to 1.026
- Malpractice GPCI 2.566 changed to 2.598
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$139.65changed to$143.88
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 0.58 changed to 0.69
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$134.67changed to$139.65
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 0.46 changed to 0.58
- Practice expense GPCI 1.031 changed to 1.029
- Malpractice GPCI 2.528 changed to 2.566
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$134.60changed to$134.67
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Practice expense RVU 0.47 changed to 0.46
- Practice expense GPCI 1.033 changed to 1.031
- Malpractice GPCI 2.490 changed to 2.528
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$133.82changed to$134.60
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 0.46 changed to 0.47
- Malpractice RVU 0.10 changed to 0.11
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$133.16changed to$133.82
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$135.87changed to$133.16
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 0.48 changed to 0.46
- Malpractice RVU 0.11 changed to 0.10
- Practice expense GPCI 1.044 changed to 1.033
- Malpractice GPCI 2.653 changed to 2.490
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$125.83changed to$135.87
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Work RVU 2.83 changed to 3.00
- Practice expense RVU 0.53 changed to 0.48
- Practice expense GPCI 1.054 changed to 1.044
- Malpractice GPCI 2.815 changed to 2.653
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $125.83
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $169.67 | $136.64 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $169.67 | $136.64 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $169.67 | $136.64 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $169.67 | $136.64 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $159.10 | $138.84 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $159.10 | $138.84 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $159.10 | $138.84 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $159.10 | $138.84 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $157.53 | $138.04 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $157.53 | $138.04 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $157.53 | $138.04 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $157.53 | $138.04 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $154.95 | $135.79 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $152.12 | $134.05 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $152.12 | $134.05 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $152.12 | $134.05 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $152.12 | $134.05 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $157.83 | $139.42 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $157.83 | $139.42 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $157.83 | $139.42 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $157.83 | $139.42 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $160.62 | $142.41 | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $160.62 | $142.41 | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $160.62 | $142.41 | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $160.62 | $142.41 | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $148.58 | $134.13 | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $148.58 | $134.13 | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $148.58 | $134.13 | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $148.58 | $134.13 | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $143.88 | $133.87 | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $143.88 | $133.87 | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $143.88 | $133.87 | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $143.88 | $133.87 | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $139.65 | $134.46 | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $139.65 | $134.46 | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $139.65 | $134.46 | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $139.65 | $134.46 | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $134.67 | $133.93 | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $134.67 | $133.93 | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $134.67 | $133.93 | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $134.67 | $133.93 | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $134.60 | $133.49 | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $134.60 | $133.49 | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $134.60 | $133.49 | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $134.60 | $133.49 | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $133.82 | $133.08 | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $133.82 | $133.08 | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $133.16 | $132.42 | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $133.16 | $132.42 | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $135.87 | $135.13 | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $135.87 | $135.13 | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $135.87 | $135.13 | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $135.87 | $135.13 | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $125.83 | $118.30 | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $125.83 | $118.30 | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $125.83 | $118.30 | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $125.83 | $118.30 | RVU13AR |
Where the Miami, FL rate applies
Miami, FL is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 83 cities and communities in Florida. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
90837 billing questions
What is the minimum time needed to report 90837?
Document at least 53 minutes of psychotherapy. Sessions of 38 to 52 minutes are reported with 90834, and sessions of 16 to 37 minutes with 90832.
Can a psychiatrist report 90837 with an office E/M visit?
When the same clinician reports a separate E/M service and provides at least 53 minutes of psychotherapy, report add-on 90838 with the E/M code instead of 90837. Keep E/M time separate from psychotherapy time.
Can interactive complexity be added?
Yes. Add-on 90785 may be reported when its communication requirements are met and documented, such as using play equipment to overcome a child's inability to communicate through typical language. Routine use of toys alone does not qualify.
Does a family member's participation change the code?
Not when the patient is present and the focus remains the patient's individual treatment. For family psychotherapy focused on family interactions, use 90847 when the patient is present or 90846 when the patient is absent.
When is crisis psychotherapy reported instead of 90837?
Use 90839 for an encounter requiring urgent crisis assessment and intervention, rather than selecting 90837 solely because the session lasts at least 53 minutes. Select by the service furnished and its documented time.
Does a 60-minute appointment automatically qualify for 90837?
No. At least 53 minutes must be spent providing psychotherapy; exclude scheduling, documentation, and time spent on a separately reported E/M service.
90837 is in these specialty bundles: Behavioral health
Where these rates come from
FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.
CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027
Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
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