CPT 90837 + ICD-10 F33.0: Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild
Psychotherapy, 60 minutes billed with Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild — documentation requirements, denial reasons, modifiers, and reimbursement context.
CPT Code
90837
Psychotherapy, 60 minutes
ICD-10 Code
F33.0
Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild
Common Modifiers
Compatibility Notes
Appropriate for patients with recurrent MDD who are currently in a mild episode (PHQ-9 5–9) but have a documented prior episode. The 60-minute session length is clinically justified for recurrent MDD to address relapse prevention and deeper psychotherapeutic work. Most payers accept this pairing for ongoing outpatient therapy.
Documentation Required
- ✓Session start and stop times confirming 53+ minutes
- ✓Documented prior MDD episode establishing recurrent course
- ✓Current PHQ-9 in mild range (5–9) with clinical narrative
- ✓Relapse prevention content or maintenance-phase treatment plan goals addressed
- ✓Risk screen with historical context if prior suicidal ideation is in the record
Common Denial Reasons
- ✗Payer questions medical necessity of 60-minute sessions for mild severity — document relapse prevention rationale explicitly
- ✗Recurrent course not documented (no evidence of a prior episode)
- ✗PHQ-9 scores suggesting moderate or severe severity inconsistent with "mild" specifier
Applicable Modifiers
Reimbursement Notes
OON UCR is $130–$210. Some managed care reviewers may recommend step-down to 90834 for mild recurrent MDD — document clinical rationale for 60-minute format to support continued authorization.
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