CPT 90853 + ICD-10 F32.1: Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate
Group psychotherapy billed with Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate — documentation requirements, denial reasons, modifiers, and reimbursement context.
CPT Code
90853
Group psychotherapy
ICD-10 Code
F32.1
Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate
Compatibility Notes
Group therapy for moderate first-episode MDD. Appropriate for CBT-D or interpersonal therapy groups targeting moderate severity. Per-participant billing required with PHQ-9 tracked at regular intervals.
Documentation Required
- ✓Per-participant attendance and first-episode moderate MDD diagnosis
- ✓PHQ-9 in moderate range per participant
- ✓Group session content and therapeutic modality
- ✓Individual progress and risk notes per participant
Common Denial Reasons
- ✗PHQ-9 inconsistent with moderate specifier per participant
- ✗Prior MDD episodes suggest recurrent course (use F33.x)
- ✗Group billed as single claim
Applicable Modifiers
Reimbursement Notes
OON UCR $50–$90 per participant. Moderate single-episode MDD group therapy is broadly accepted.
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