Coding Guide – Behavioral Health Services

2020 Behavioral Health Coding Guide

The coding for psychiatric and psychotherapy services changed in 2013 and although that was years ago many psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs), and psychiatric physician assistants (PAs) are still adjusting to the change.

Psychologists, social workers and other licensed mental health professionals saw their coding change in 2013, although not as drastically.

This guide will answer questions about how to code for behavioral health services including:

• Initial evaluations
• Re-evaluations
• Medication management
• Psychotherapy

In some sections, it is separated by type of clinician, because physicians, NPs and PAs have a different scope of practice than psychologists, social workers and other licensed mental health professionals. If you provide psychiatry services, this guide is a must read!

Table of Contents

• Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation
• Medication Management
• Psychotherapy
• Psychotherapy for patients in Crisis
• Quick Reference Charts
• E/M Cheat Sheet

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Watch Betsy’s 60 minute on-demand webinar “Coding for Behavioral Health Services” for a discussion of coding for services performed by therapists, psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Webinars are free for members.

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Other Coding Guides

• How Physician Services are Paid
• Risk Adjusted Diagnosis Coding for Medical Practices
• Critical Care Services
• More