CPT 90834 + ICD-10 F43.21: Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
Psychotherapy, 45 minutes billed with Adjustment disorder with depressed mood — documentation requirements, denial reasons, modifiers, and reimbursement context.
CPT Code
90834
Psychotherapy, 45 minutes
ICD-10 Code
F43.21
Adjustment disorder with depressed mood
Common Modifiers
Compatibility Notes
Commonly used for short-term therapy addressing adjustment difficulties with depressed mood. The 45-minute session is appropriate for focused adjustment disorder work. Most payers authorize 10–20 sessions without prior authorization for this time-limited diagnosis.
Documentation Required
- ✓Session start and stop times confirming 38–52 minutes
- ✓Stressor documented with onset date
- ✓Depressed mood symptoms linked to the stressor
- ✓Time-limited treatment plan
- ✓Differential: full MDD criteria not met
Common Denial Reasons
- ✗Stressor not documented
- ✗Treatment exceeds 6 months after stressor resolution without diagnosis update
- ✗PHQ-9 suggests full MDD criteria met
Applicable Modifiers
Reimbursement Notes
OON UCR $100–$165. Adjustment disorder codes may have shorter session authorization caps; verify benefit limits at intake.
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