| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Medicare Allowed Rate What Medicare approves for this service | $120.93 |
| Typical Billed Amount What providers commonly charge | $150 – $350 |
| Potential Markup How much more you might pay vs. Medicare rate | 189% above Medicare |
What CPT Code 90837 Means
When you see CPT code 90837 on your medical bill, it means you received individual psychotherapy that lasted at least 53 minutes. In practice, these are typically scheduled as 60-minute therapy sessions.
Your therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist uses this code for one-on-one talk therapy sessions where you work together on mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship issues. The session must be face-to-face (either in-person or via telehealth) and involve active therapeutic intervention, not just casual conversation.
This code is different from shorter therapy sessions. If your session was closer to 45 minutes, your provider should use CPT code 90834 instead. The time requirement is strict because insurance companies pay different rates based on session length.
How CPT 90837 Billing Works
The cost for CPT code 90837 varies significantly depending on your insurance and location. Medicare pays providers $120.93 for this service, but private insurance rates and out-of-pocket costs are typically higher.
If you're paying without insurance or have a high-deductible plan, expect charges between $150-$350 per session. The exact amount depends on your therapist's rates, your geographic location, and whether you're seeing a specialist like a psychiatrist versus a licensed clinical social worker.
On your bill or explanation of benefits (EOB), look for the code 90837 listed alongside the date of your appointment. The description might say 'psychotherapy' or 'individual therapy.' Your insurance should show what they paid and what you owe as a copay, coinsurance, or deductible.
Checking Your CPT 90837 Billing
To verify you were billed correctly, first confirm that your therapy session actually lasted at least 53 minutes. If your session was shorter than 50 minutes, you should have been billed for CPT code 90834 instead, which costs less.
Check that the date on your bill matches when you actually had your appointment. Also verify that you're being charged for individual therapy - if you attended family or group therapy, different codes should be used (like CPT 90847 for family therapy).
If you notice an error, contact your therapist's billing department first. They can often correct simple mistakes quickly. If the charge seems too high compared to what you were quoted, ask for an itemized explanation. For insurance disputes, call your insurance company's customer service line with your EOB and ask them to review the claim.