CPT 90853 + ICD-10 F32.9: Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified
Group psychotherapy billed with Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified — documentation requirements, denial reasons, modifiers, and reimbursement context.
CPT Code
90853
Group psychotherapy
ICD-10 Code
F32.9
Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified
Compatibility Notes
Appropriate for group therapy targeting first-episode MDD. Behavioral activation groups, interpersonal therapy groups, and CBT-D groups are evidence-based formats for this pairing. Per-participant billing is required. Most payers accept this for outpatient group therapy.
Documentation Required
- ✓Per-participant attendance and diagnosis
- ✓Group session content (therapeutic modality, theme)
- ✓Individual progress notes with symptom status
- ✓PHQ-9 per patient at regular intervals
- ✓Risk screen per participant
Common Denial Reasons
- ✗Group billed as single claim
- ✗No individual documentation per participant
- ✗PHQ-9 not tracked at outcome intervals
Applicable Modifiers
Reimbursement Notes
OON UCR $50–$90 per participant. Depression group therapy is well-accepted by most commercial payers.
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