AMA CPT Editorial Panel Approves New Codes for Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

At its May 2021 meeting, the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)® Editorial Panel created two new category III CPT codes for digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) services, a step forward toward creating a structure that will allow patients to access these therapies. The new codes could pave the way for broader utilization of digital CBT services and improved patient health.

Digital CBT services offer patients remote access to cognitive behavioral therapy interventions through web-based programs or applications featuring videos, interactive exercises, and/or artificial intelligence (AI) technology. A variety of digital CBT programs have been developed for indications including insomnia, substance use disorder (SUD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, among others. To date, access to these therapies has been limited, in part, due to the lack of codes for healthcare professionals and companies to bill for their use.

As reflected in Tab 48 of the CPT® Editorial Summary of Panel Actions, dated May 2021, code 0X47T is to report a standardized online digital cognitive behavioral therapy program, and code 0X81T is to report the management services performed by a physician or other qualified health care professional.  These category III codes will be effective January 1, 2022. CPT codes and CPT descriptions included herein are not intended to be all- inclusive and are included for informational purposes only. Inclusion of any codes does not guarantee coverage or payment. Codes that contain an 'X' are placeholder code.