Reimbursement
$85.84
Threshold
30m
2026 Status
Active
What is CPT Code 90832?
CPT 90832 is defined as: Psychotherapy, 30 minutes with patient when performed as a standalone service. This code is utilized when psychotherapy is the primary or sole service provided during the encounter, without medical evaluation and management (E/M) services.
This code is primarily used for Behavioral services. It falls under the category of Psychotherapy & Behavioral Assessments and is valid for the 2026 calendar year according to the CMS Physician Fee Schedule.
2026 RVU Components
Relative Value Units (Non-Facility)
Work RVU
1.94
Physician Effort
PE (Non-Fac)
0.54
Practice Expense
Malpractice
0.09
Risk Factor
Total RVU
2.57
Note: [(Work RVU * Work GPCI) + (PE RVU * PE GPCI) + (MP RVU * MP GPCI)] * Conversion Factor
2026 CMS Policy Intelligence
efficiency shield
Exempt from the -2.5% efficiency adjustment due to its time-intensive, labor-centric nature.
uplift transition
Benefits from the multi-year programmed upward trajectory of Work RVUs for cognitive labor.
telehealth permanence
Permanently valid for remote delivery in 2026; POS 10 triggers non-facility rates.
site neutrality
Indirect cost allocation adjusted to reduce facility/non-facility disparity.
Administrative Framework
Global Period
000
Place of Service
Key Modifiers
Operational Requirements
minimum time
16 minutes (Range: 16-37 minutes)
staff type
LCSW, LPC, Psychologist (PhD/PsyD), or Psychiatrist (MD/DO)
frequency
Typically once per day per patient
add on codes
time rule
Governed by the CPT 'midpoint rule'. A unit of time is attained when the midpoint (15 min) is passed.
Compliance Checklist
Audit Defense
No specific audit defense elements defined.
2026 Update
Medical necessity must be clearly documented to justify the increased 2026 Work RVU valuation.
Common Clinical Scenarios
CMS Eligibility: Must have a diagnosed mental health condition (ICD-10 F-series). Variable, based on treatment plan goals
Target Specialties & Utilization
Typical Clinical Indications (ICD-10)
Billing Differentiation
VS 90833
90833 is an add-on code used when E/M is also provided; 90832 is for standalone therapy.
VS 90834
90834 is for 45 minutes of psychotherapy (Range: 38-52 minutes).
VS 90837
90837 is for 60 minutes of psychotherapy (Range: 53+ minutes).
Frequently Asked Questions
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