CPT® Code 0821T | Case2Code

Official Description

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)

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 second physician or qualified healthcare professional who provides concurrent support alongside the primary provider. 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 status and potential risks associated with psychedelic therapy. 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 supportive environment conducive to self-reflection and emotional processing. Patients are typically encouraged to engage in activities that enhance their therapeutic experience, such as listening to music, wearing a light-blocking eye mask, or lying on a comfortable couch. As the patient self-administers the psychedelic medication, the healthcare professionals monitor their mental and emotional well-being, ensuring a safe environment and providing necessary therapeutic interventions as issues arise. The duration of a typical session ranges from five to seven hours, during which the collaborative efforts of the staff and physicians are crucial for delivering continuous support and guidance throughout the therapeutic process.

1. Indications

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

Psychotherapy Needs Patients requiring therapeutic support during psychedelic medication therapy to address mental health issues.
Crisis Intervention Situations where immediate psychological support is necessary to manage acute emotional distress or crises during therapy.
Emotional Processing Patients who need assistance in navigating complex emotional experiences that may arise during the psychedelic experience.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective monitoring and intervention during the psychedelic therapy session:

Step 1: Review of Medical History The session begins with a comprehensive review of the patient's current medications and clinical history. This step is crucial for identifying any potential contraindications or risk factors associated with the use of psychedelic substances.
Step 2: Assessment of Mental and Emotional States The healthcare professionals assess the patient's current mental and emotional states. This ongoing evaluation helps in recognizing any immediate concerns that may need to be addressed during the therapy.
Step 3: Identification of Risk Factors During the assessment, risk factors are identified to ensure the patient's safety throughout the session. This proactive approach allows for timely interventions if necessary.
Step 4: Establishing a Supportive Environment The patient is placed in a conducive environment for self-reflection and emotional processing. This may include listening to music, wearing a light-blocking eye mask, or lying on a comfortable couch to enhance the therapeutic experience.
Step 5: Self-Administration of Psychedelic Medication The patient self-administers the psychedelic medication under the supervision of the healthcare professionals, who remain vigilant in monitoring the patient's responses.
Step 6: Continuous Monitoring Throughout the session, the physician or qualified clinical staff continuously monitor the patient's mental and emotional state, ensuring a safe environment and providing therapeutic interventions as needed.
Step 7: Emotional Guidance As emotional processing issues surface, the healthcare professionals guide the patient through these experiences, offering support and interventions to facilitate healing.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the psychedelic therapy session, post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient as they transition back to their baseline state. It is essential to provide a safe space for the patient to process their experience and discuss any insights or emotions that may have arisen during the session. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to evaluate the patient's progress and address any ongoing therapeutic needs. Continuous support and guidance are crucial to ensure the patient integrates their experiences effectively and safely into their overall mental health treatment plan.

Short Descr	MNTR PSYCHDLC MED 2NDPHY/QHP
Medium Descr	CONT IP MNTR&IVNTJ PSYCHEDELIC MED THERAPY 2ND
Long Descr	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)
Status Code	Carriers Price the Code
Global Days	ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
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 Packaged into APC Rates
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS)	none
MUE	1

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

0820T

MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC M 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