CPT Code 90836: Psychotherapy add-on, 45 min (with E/M)

When to Use CPT 90836

Use CPT code 90836 when billing for psychotherapy add-on, 45 min (with e/m). This code is used by licensed therapists (LCSW, LPC, MFT, Psychologist) for outpatient sessions.

Adding CPT 90836 to a Superbill

When generating a superbill with CPT 90836, include the ICD-10 diagnosis code, date of service, fee charged, amount paid, and your NPI number. Superbilled pre-fills common therapy CPT codes automatically.

Common ICD-10 Pairings

These diagnosis codes are frequently used alongside CPT 90836:

Documentation Requirements

Document psychotherapy and E/M components separately with distinct start/stop times. The therapy portion must fall within 38-52 minutes.

Common Denial Reasons

• ✗ No qualifying E/M service billed on the same date
• ✗ Therapy time outside the 38-52 minute range
• ✗ Insufficient documentation separating E/M and psychotherapy components

Modifier Notes

Add-on code — must accompany a primary E/M code. Do not bill standalone.

Reimbursement Expectations

OON reimbursement typically 50-65% of UCR. Expect $40-$90 when paired with an E/M service.