Mental health billing is complex, similar to medical billing. Every claim for payment made to an insurance company is filed with language of CPT codes for therapists that help that organization understand what occurred during the visit. These are called billing codes and are vital to how mental health providers get paid for their services.
Having a firm grasp on the different types of billing codes, their purpose, when to apply the right one, and how to perfect your billing process are all important components of optimizing your revenue and getting the most out of every claim and every visit.
There is a lot to keep track of, from CPT for therapists codes to ICD10 codes for mental health. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common diagnostic codes mental health therapists should keep track of.
The Difference Between CPT Codes and Diagnostic Codes (ICD10 F-Codes)
There are two main types of billing codes, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. While the two often get confused in the billing process, CPT codes for therapists and ICD10 codes are extremely different. Seasoned providers will know that a CPT code is used to code what is done to a patient during a visit, while an ICD code describes their diagnosis or condition.
Common ICD10 Codes Therapists Should Know:
- F32.9 Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified
- F32.0 single episode, mild
- F32.1 single episode, mild
- F32.1 single episode, moderate
- F32.2 single episode, severe without psychotic features
- F32.3 single episode, severe with psychotic features
- F32.4 single episode, in partial remission
- F32.5 single episode, in full remission
- F32.8 Other depressive episodes
- F33.1 Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate
- F33.2 recurrent severe without psychotic features
- F33.3 recurrent, severe with psychotic symptoms
- F39 Unspecified mood [affective] disorder
- F25.9 Schizoaffective disorder, unspecified; See also:
- F25.0 Schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type,
- F25.1 Schizoaffective disorder, depressive type,
- F25.8 Other schizoaffective disorders
- F29 Unspecified psychosis not due to a substance or known physiological condition
- F41.9 Anxiety disorder, unspecified
- F41.1 Generalized anxiety disorder
- F41.8 Other specified anxiety disorders
- F41.0 Panic disorder [episodic paroxysmal anxiety] without agoraphobia
- F41.1 Generalized anxiety disorder
- F42 Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- F32.1 Agoraphobia with panic disorder
- F90.0/ F90.1 Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive type
- F90.2 combined type
- F90.8, other type
- F90.9 unspecified type
- F31.9 Bipolar disorder, unspecified
- F31.0 current episode hypomanic
- F31.10 current episode manic without psychotic features, unspecified
- F31.11 current episode manic without psychotic features, mild
- F31.12, current episode manic without psychotic features, moderate
- F31.13 current episode manic without psychotic features, severe
- F31.30, current episode depressed, mild or moderate severity, unspecified
- F31.31 current episode depressed, mild
- F11.20 Opioid dependence, uncomplicated
- F11.21 Opioid type dependence in remission
- F11.220 Opioid dependence with intoxication, uncomplicated
- F11.221 Opioid dependence with intoxication delirium
- F11.22 Opioid dependence with intoxication with perceptual disturbance
- F43.10 Posttraumatic stress disorder, unspecified
- F43.11, acute
- F43.12 chronic
- F43.23 Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood
- Z79.891 Long term (current) use of opiate analgesic
- Z79.899 Other long-term (current) drug therapy
- Z03.89 Encounter for observation for other suspected diseases and conditions ruled out
Get a free 21-day trial of TheraNest today!
Reduce Coding Errors with Comprehensive Mental Health Billing Software
When you make a coding mistake, it costs you. There’s no sugarcoating it. But there is no need to try and remember every single one of these codes, along with the most common CPT codes for therapists you use daily just to keep up. Comprehensive billing software can help you eliminate coding mistakes, so you never have to worry about lost revenue again.
With the most common CPT and ICD10 codes that you need day in and day out loaded directly into your software, you’ll have what you need to correctly code your claims at your fingertips.
Other Vital Features of Quality Billing Software for Therapists:
Flexible Invoicing
You should spend less time on billing and more time on clients. With the right tool, you can easily create standard, HIPAA-compliant bills that most payers use. Not only this, but you can also create custom formats that meet your other needs.
Decrease Claim Rejections
Insurance companies will look for any reason to deny a claim, not just an incorrect billing code. If a client’s name is spelled incorrectly or key information is missing, they’ll send it back with a rejection stamped on the front. With a quality billing tool, you can efficiently scrub your claims to ensure they’re error-free before they go out. This minimizes your rejections and maximizes your revenue.
Stay on Top of Prior Authorizations
Avoid surprises and keep your clients informed with prior paperless authorizations. A feature like this in your billing tool can work with dates, types of service, PCPs, frequency, state regulatory requirements, and insurance regulations. Not only this, but you can gain insight into the causes behind denials and measure the success of appeals.
Charge Generation
Effortlessly generate charges for prescriptions, appointments, and testing with additional features like automatic daily room and board charges. Integrate directly with your EHR, telehealth, pharmacies, and labs so you can focus on helping your clients along the way.
Rich Data Reporting
Data equals power to grow. Your billing tool should have robust, high-level reports that examine multiple facets of your receivables, including aging, credit balances, adjustments, and unbilled items. This allows you to pinpoint problem areas in your revenue cycle so you can fix them and continue to succeed. CTA: Learn more about how TheraNest’s billing software can help you stay on top of ICD10 and CPT codes for therapists with a 21-day free trial.
