What this is, in plain language
A therapy session with family members where the identified patient is not in the room — for example, parents working with a child's therapist.
Why a clinician orders it
Supporting a family member's treatment, improving family communication, or coordinating care for a child.
Medical necessity — what insurers usually look at
Coverage varies — some plans only cover family sessions when the identified patient is present (90847). Confirm which code your plan covers before the session.
New to this? Read what medical necessity means and how to appeal a denial.
Documentation to ask about
- ✓Therapist's in-network status
- ✓Whether your plan covers 90846 vs. 90847
- ✓Diagnosis supporting family involvement
Questions for your provider
- ?Does my plan cover family sessions without the patient present?
- ?Are you in-network?
Why this code is in our seed set
Common family therapy code; validated against AMA CPT and payer mental health policies.
Validated against
- •AMA CPT code 90846 descriptor
- •Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act
Terms you'll see
Medical NecessityRead more →
The insurer is reviewing whether the service is clinically appropriate for your situation.
Important: AuraCode is an educational tool. It does not provide medical, legal, or insurance advice, claims decisions, or approval guarantees. Final coverage depends on your specific plan, eligibility, diagnosis, submitted documentation, and your insurer's review.