Coding for Telehealth Therapy Sessions

As telehealth continues to transform the landscape of therapy services, therapists must understand the nuances of coding for telehealth sessions. Proper coding ensures accurate billing and reimbursement, which is essential for a successful practice. In this blog post, we'll explore coding strategies that therapists can use to navigate the complexities of telehealth billing.

Understanding Telehealth Coding

Coding for telehealth sessions requires a clear understanding of the different code sets and modifiers used in telehealth billing. The most commonly used code sets for telehealth include:

• CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) Codes: These codes describe the services provided during a telehealth session, such as:

  • 90832-90837: Individual psychotherapy

• Place of Service (POS) Codes: These codes indicate where the service was provided. For telehealth services, therapists typically use:

  • POS 02: Telehealth location when the session occurs while the patient is not at home

  • POS 10: Telehealth location when the session occurs while the patient is at their place of residence

• Modifier Codes: Modifier codes indicate that a service was provided via telehealth. The most commonly used modifiers for telehealth services are:

  • GT: Via interactive audio and video telecommunications system

  • 95: Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system
    

Coding requirements can vary by insurance company. You should always confirm with the insurance company which codes they require for each service to ensure successful and timely reimbursement. This may be designated in your insurance contract, or you can contact a provider representative.

Coding Strategies for Telehealth Therapy Sessions

1. Use the Correct CPT Codes: Ensure you use the correct CPT codes for the services provided during a telehealth session. Use codes that accurately reflect the complexity and duration of the session.

2. Apply Modifiers Appropriately: Use modifiers GT or 95 to indicate that a service was provided via telehealth. Add these modifiers to the CPT codes on your claim form.

3. Document Services Thoroughly: Document the services provided during a telehealth session in detail. Include the date, duration, and nature of the services and any relevant patient information.

4. Verify Insurance Coverage: Verify that the patient's insurance plan covers your telehealth services. Some plans may have specific requirements for telehealth coverage.

5. Stay Informed About Coding Changes: Stay updated on changes to coding guidelines and requirements for telehealth services. This will help you ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

Conclusion

Coding for telehealth sessions requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of coding guidelines. By using the correct CPT codes, applying modifiers appropriately, and documenting services thoroughly, therapists can navigate the complexities of telehealth billing and ensure accurate reimbursement.

Are you ready to simplify your telehealth billing process and maximize reimbursement rates? Practice Solutions is here to help! Our expert billing team specializes in handling telehealth billing for therapists, ensuring accurate claims submission and timely reimbursement.

With Practice Solutions, you can:

1. Save time and resources by outsourcing your billing tasks to our dedicated team.

2. Maximize your revenue with our thorough understanding of telehealth coding and billing guidelines.

3. Reduce claim denials and payment delays with our meticulous attention to detail.

4. Focus on providing quality care to your clients while we handle the complexities of telehealth billing.

Don’t let billing challenges hold you back from offering telehealth services. Contact Practice Solutions today to learn how we can streamline your telehealth billing process and help you grow your practice!