Code: 90887
Description: Interpretation or explanation of results of psychiatric, other medical examinations and procedures, or other accumulated data to family or other responsible persons, or advising them how to assist patient
Context: This code is used for consultations where a mental health professional provides interpretation or explanation of psychiatric results, or advises family members or responsible persons on how to assist the patient. It typically involves discussing the outcomes of psychiatric evaluations or treatments and providing guidance for ongoing support.
Guidelines for Proper Use
- Specific Use for Psychiatric Consultation with Family/Responsible Persons: Apply 90887 for sessions where a psychiatrist or therapist explains the results of psychiatric evaluations or procedures to the patient’s family or responsible persons. This can include advice on supporting the patient’s treatment and care.
- Documentation of Consultation Content: Ensure healthcare providers’ documentation includes details of the consultation, such as the nature of the information shared, the participants involved, and the duration of the consultation.
- Exclusion of Direct Patient Care: This code does not cover sessions where the patient is directly involved in the therapy or consultation. It is for discussions with family members or responsible persons about the patient’s care.
- Applicability in Various Settings: This code can be used in settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, or private practice.
- Compliance with Mental Health Treatment and Privacy Protocols: Use 90887 in accordance with standard mental health treatment guidelines, privacy laws (like HIPAA in the U.S.), and payer-specific rules.
Common Misuses of 90887
- Using for Direct Patient Therapy: Misuse occurs if 90887 is applied to therapy sessions or consultations directly involving the patient. This code is for consultations with family or responsible persons, not the patient.
- Lack of Specificity in Documentation: Not providing detailed information about the consultation’s content or failing to specify that the patient was not involved can lead to misuse.
- Inappropriate Billing for Routine Family Interaction: Routine or informal interactions with family members that do not involve detailed interpretation or explanation of psychiatric data should not be billed using 90887.