I recently took over the MH/BH coding/auditing/training duties from a co-worker who has retired. There was not a lot of information sharing/training before she retired. I am responsible for close to 200 providers: MDs, PhDs, LCSW, drug abuse counselors, and psych techs.

I am looking for a definitive answer on SOCIAL WORKERS (LCSW) using a 22 modifier on 90837 for sessions lasting 90 minutes. Nothing I have read indicates this is a correct use of Modifier 22. Under our department guidelines a LCSW is considered a "non-privileged provider" and are not to use E/M codes. This means I cannot have them use 99354. The providers in question can only say "This is what so-and-so told us to do.".

If anyone has references especially for the use of modifier 22 with Psychotherapy I would appreciate links. I am at a loss for where else to search.

Thank you.

-Parker, CPC