Clinical quick reference

Intake

Duration

Intake sessions are typically 60–90 minutes. Schedule accordingly — do not book a standard 55-minute slot for an intake.

Required documentation

• Intake note (90791) — completed within 24 hours
• Diagnosis documented in Sessions Health
• Treatment plan initiated within the first 1–2 sessions
• Confirm all consent paperwork is signed in Sessions Health before the session

Scheduling workflow

Michael routes new clients from the consultation gate to your calendar. Do not self-schedule new intakes without coordinating with Michael. Confirm insurance verification is complete before the first session.

Couples intake

Couples intakes use CPT codes 90791 (individual intake) and 90847 (family therapy with patient present) billed under Person A's insurance. Do not use two 90791 codes. Book both under Person A's individual record in Sessions Health. Disable reminders on the 90847 appointment and send Person B their link manually.

Consultation workflow

Free consultations are 15–20 minutes. Not billable. Document in Sessions Health. If proceeding to intake, Michael coordinates the next steps with the client.

Fit determination

If a client is not a fit for your caseload during consultation or intake, notify Joe and Michael promptly. Do not continue scheduling while fit concerns are unresolved. Referrals to outside providers should be documented.

CPT billing codes

Code	Service	Notes
90791	Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation	Use for all intake sessions. 60–90 min.
90834	Individual therapy, 45 min	45-minute session — use when session is clearly shorter than standard.
90837	Individual therapy, 60 min	Standard session code. 53–60 minutes.
90847	Family therapy with patient present	Use for couples sessions after intake. Billed under primary client.
90846	Family therapy without patient present	Use for collateral sessions (parent consultation, etc.).

When in doubt about which code to use, ask Joe before billing. Incorrect coding affects claims and audit risk.