Wiki Multi-family Group Therapy

[ckeeney]

I know this has been asked before but I couldn't find that there was any response with a citation:

Is there a minimum number of families that need to be present in order to bill the group therapy (90849)? I have seen many mentions of a "few" or, most often, "several". In the Forum there was mention of a minimum of 3 but no citation so I couldn't confirm. If it is a minimum of 3, how would you bill with just 2 showing up of the 6 scheduled?

I have looked on CMS, WPS, and our state Medicaid website and cannot find anything. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[ElleK]

In the manual, it just says "Multiple-family group psychotherapy." It does not say a number requirement.

Following.

 

[TThivierge]

Ellen
I use to do mental health billing years ago...always told for group not more than 10 people in the counseling session CPT 90853 (for example sub abuse or anger management). But for parenting CPT 90849 not more than 12 participants or 6 couples. Each had documentation under 1 patient s name or one married spouse. Document dx code plus time ,discussion theme or tips for managing for each person.
I hope helped you somewhat.
Lady T