CPT® Code 0820T

Official Description

Continuous in-person monitoring and intervention (eg, psychotherapy, crisis intervention), as needed, during psychedelic medication therapy; first physician or other qualified health care professional, each hour

Common Language Description

Continuous in-person monitoring and intervention during psychedelic medication therapy involves a structured approach to ensure patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness. This procedure is characterized by the presence of a physician or other qualified healthcare professional who provides ongoing support throughout the therapy session. The process begins with a thorough review of the patient's current medications and clinical history, which is essential for understanding the individual's health background and potential risks associated with psychedelic substances. During the session, the patient's mental and emotional states are continuously assessed, allowing for the identification of any risk factors that may arise. The goals and concerns of the therapy are also discussed to create a tailored therapeutic environment. To facilitate a conducive atmosphere for self-reflection and emotional processing, patients may be provided with options such as listening to music, wearing a light-blocking eye mask, or lying on a comfortable couch. The patient is responsible for self-administering the psychedelic medication, while the healthcare professional closely monitors their mental and emotional state to maintain a safe environment. Should any therapeutic interventions be necessary, the professional is prepared to administer them promptly. The session typically lasts between five to seven hours, during which the healthcare team collaborates to provide continuous support and guidance through any emotional processing issues that may surface. For billing purposes, CPT® Code 0820T is reported for each hour of continuous monitoring and intervention by the first physician or qualified healthcare professional involved in the therapy.

1. Indications

The procedure of continuous in-person monitoring and intervention during psychedelic medication therapy is indicated for patients undergoing treatment with psychedelic substances. The following conditions and circumstances may warrant this type of monitoring:

Psychiatric Disorders Patients with conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health disorders may benefit from psychedelic therapy, necessitating close monitoring during the session.
Crisis Situations Individuals experiencing acute psychological crises may require immediate intervention and support during their therapy to ensure safety and effective emotional processing.
Therapeutic Goals Patients seeking to explore deep emotional issues or personal insights through psychedelic therapy may need structured support to navigate their experiences safely.

2. Procedure

The procedure for continuous in-person monitoring and intervention during psychedelic medication therapy involves several key steps that ensure patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness:

Step 1: Initial Assessment The session begins with a comprehensive review of the patient's current medications and clinical history. This assessment is crucial for identifying any potential contraindications or risk factors associated with the use of psychedelic substances.
Step 2: Mental and Emotional Evaluation The healthcare professional conducts an assessment of the patient's current mental and emotional states. This evaluation helps in understanding the patient's readiness for the therapy and in identifying any immediate concerns that may need to be addressed during the session.
Step 3: Establishing a Therapeutic Environment The patient is guided into a comfortable setting that promotes self-reflection and emotional processing. Options such as music, light-blocking eye masks, and comfortable seating are provided to enhance the therapeutic experience.
Step 4: Self-Administration of Medication The patient self-administers the psychedelic medication under the supervision of the healthcare professional. This step is critical as it allows the patient to engage actively in their therapeutic journey while being closely monitored.
Step 5: Continuous Monitoring Throughout the session, the healthcare professional continuously monitors the patient's mental and emotional state. This ongoing observation is essential for maintaining a safe environment and for providing timely therapeutic interventions as needed.
Step 6: Emotional Processing Guidance As emotional issues arise during the session, the healthcare professional guides the patient through these experiences, offering support and interventions to facilitate effective emotional processing.
Step 7: Session Duration The entire session typically lasts between five to seven hours, during which the healthcare team collaborates to provide continuous support and ensure the patient's safety and well-being.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the psychedelic medication therapy session, the patient may require additional support to process their experiences. It is important for the healthcare professional to provide a debriefing session, where the patient can discuss their feelings and insights gained during the therapy. Follow-up care may also be necessary to monitor the patient's mental health and to address any lingering effects of the psychedelic experience. The healthcare team should ensure that the patient has access to ongoing therapeutic resources and support as needed, promoting a holistic approach to their mental health care.

Short Descr	MNTR PSYCHDLC MED 1STPHY/QHP
Medium Descr	CONT IP MNTR&IVNTJ PSYCHEDELIC MED THERAPY 1ST
Long Descr	Continuous in-person monitoring and intervention (eg, psychotherapy, crisis intervention), as needed, during psychedelic medication therapy; first physician or other qualified health care professional, each hour
Status Code	Carriers Price the Code
Global Days	XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC)	0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51)	0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50)	0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions	09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82)	0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62)	0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66)	0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family	99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator	Items and Services Not Billable to the MAC
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS)	none
MUE	6

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

0821T

Add On Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N Continuous in-person monitoring and intervention (eg, psychotherapy, crisis intervention), as needed, during psychedelic medication therapy; second physician or other qualified health care professional, concurrent with first physician or other qualified health care professional, each hour (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

0822T

Add On Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N Continuous in-person monitoring and intervention (eg, psychotherapy, crisis intervention), as needed, during psychedelic medication therapy; clinical staff under the direction of a physician or other qualified health care professional, concurrent with first physician or other qualified health care professional, each hour (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)