Psychiatry coding quick reference
An educational, plain-language map of common psychiatry service codes and how they fit together. CPT is copyright the American Medical Association; confirm descriptors, rules, and payer policy with official CPT and CMS sources.
Current as of July 7, 2026. Laws, payer rules, and billing codes change, so confirm the current requirements for your jurisdiction and setting before you rely on it.
What's inside
Initial psychiatric evaluation
- 90792: psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services
- 90791: diagnostic evaluation without medical services (often non-prescribers)
Follow-up medication management
- Outpatient E/M codes (for example 99213, 99214, 99215) chosen by MDM or time
- See the E/M documentation checklist for how the level is set
Psychotherapy add-on codes
- 90833: about 30 minutes of psychotherapy with an E/M visit
- 90836: about 45 minutes with an E/M visit
- 90838: about 60 minutes with an E/M visit
- Add-on psychotherapy is reported in addition to the E/M code and requires separate, timed documentation
Telehealth
- Use the correct place-of-service code and any required telehealth modifier for the payer and date of service
- Rules and flexibilities change; confirm current CMS and payer policy
- Licensure and prescribing follow the patient's physical location
Diagnosis coding
Diagnoses are reported with ICD-10-CM codes, mapped from the DSM-5-TR clinical picture. Keep the documented diagnosis, the code, and the plan aligned.
About this resource
This reference is part of the shrinkiatry resource library, a set of free, clinician-facing references and examples. It's reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA, FAPA, a board-certified psychiatrist, on a quarterly schedule. Next scheduled review: October 1, 2026. First published July 7, 2026, last reviewed July 7, 2026.
Browse the rest of the resource library, or verify who reviews this site. Spotted something out of date? Email corrections@shrinkiatry.com.