Mark G. Doherty, CAE, Executive Director of the EMDR International Association sent out an email recently to let all therapists know that in 2013 there will be some changes in the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes that will affect you directly.
The following are resources to help you navigate this territory.
Of particular note, the 2012 CPT codes “90808 Outpatient Psychotherapy 75-80 Minutes” and “90821 Inpatient Psychotherapy 75-80 Minutes” are deleted for 2013 and replaced by CPT code “90837 Psychotherapy 60 Minutes with Patient and/or Family Member”.
Reimbursement will most likely be limited to whatever payment amount is applied to Code 90837 by Medicare or private insurance carriers.
Some websites have indicated that therapists are not likely to see an increase in payment for the additional time beyond 60 minutes.
As these 2013 changes in CPT codes are implemented, EMDRIA will continue to research this and inform therapists of new changes.
[ image source: “Icon of a clock and warning sign” by Korrigan ]