Psych Coding

[Breezy]

I think that I am suppose to use the following e/m codes:

Office or other outpatient facility(90804-90815) and
Inpatient hospital, Partial Hospital or Residental Care Facility (90816-90829)

I think that I am getting the office psychotherapy (90804-90815) code confused with using the 99211-99215 and 99201-99205 codes.

Even if the doctor documents a hx, exam, and mdm for an est office does this mean that I look at the 99211-9915 code?

Which codes do I use for a follow up patient thats in the nursing home or come into an office setting?

 

[kevbshields]

The psych codes are determined by what type of service is rendered by the provider. Too often, we try and "instant-code" services (like on a charge slip). Psych services are best abstracted from the records.

In these "follow-ups" explain what type of service is being rendered to the patient. The setting from which the patient presents does not necessarily have impact; it's where the service is rendered and what is done for the patient.

Also, be sure you include the provider type supplying the service.

 

[diamonddiva]

It sometimes depends on the purpose of the service.

If the documentation has a therapeutic intervention i.e., insight oriented, behavioral modifying or supportive therapy elements I would use psych codes.

Since MD's can use both, If they do not indicate any therapeutic elements in their documentation I would give them an E & M service.

Hope that helps a little .

 

[sec5188]

Do these services have to be performed by a psychiatrist or can and Psych NP bill for this? The description just says clinician.

Thanks

 

[dboutwell]

How do you bill group therapy sessions? The therapist is marking 90853 for 60 minutes. How would you bill a session that is 1.5 hours or 2.25 hours. Thanks::

 

[smdumpert]

90853 or group therapy is a servcie regardless of how long it is. The "typical amount of time is 60 minutes".