CPT 90846 is a family therapy session, usually 50 minutes, held without the identified patient present: parents meeting a child's therapist, or a spouse meeting the therapist of a partner in treatment. It is used to work on the family system around a patient.
What the price covers
The session only. At a hospital-owned clinic a facility fee may be added. It is billed under the patient's record even though the patient is not in the room, which matters for insurance and for who receives the bill.
Why prices vary
Hospital-based family therapy tends to cost more than private practice because of facility fees. Private therapists often price family sessions similarly to a 60-minute individual session and may offer sliding scales.
Questions to ask
- What is the self-pay price for 90846, and is there a facility fee?
- Who is billed, the patient or the family members attending?
- Is a session with the patient present (90847) priced the same?