Add-On Codes

An add-on code is used to document services provided to the client above and beyond the primary service. Many add-on codes are associated with certain CPT codes and should only be used in conjunction with those specific services. For additional information on CPT codes and add-ons, consult this quick reference of commonly used CPT codes in behavioral health. In TherapyNotes, add-on codes are written with a plus sign (+) before them.

Add-on codes affect various parts of TherapyNotes. Here's what you need to know:

  • When scheduling appointments, you only select the primary service code
  • While writing the note for the appointment, the clinician can specify add-on codes by editing the note header
  • Once the add-on code is specified in the note header, it will automatically be included on electronic claims and CMS-1500 forms

Create an Add-On Code

Note: Only Practice Administrators and Billers are able to create add-on codes for the practice.

  • Click the User Icon > Settings > Service Codes
  • Click the + Add Service Code button.

(A) Service Type: The option selected in the Service Type dropdown determines what types of appointments the add-on code can be applied to. For example, an add-on code with the Service Type "Therapy Intake" can only be applied to Therapy Intake appointments. If one add-on code applies across multiple service types, create multiple add-on codes, one for each service type.

(B) Service Code: Enter the CPT code and select the This is an add-on code checkbox.

(C) Add-On Code Units: Some add-on codes can only be applied once for a session, while others can have multiple units. Select the Allow multiple units of this add-on code checkbox if your code is able to have multiple units billed.

  • Enter the Standard Rate for your add-on code. This is the rate that will be included on all claims, unless otherwise specified in the Custom Rate column.
  • Click the Add Service Code button.

Apply an Add-On Code

Note: Only Clinicians are able to apply and remove add-on codes in note headers. After a Clinician edits the add-on codes in the note header, they must sign and save the note.

  • When editing a note, click anywhere on the note header or click Edit in the upper right corner of the note header to open it.

  • Click the Add-On Code button.
  • Select a code from the dropdown that appears. If the add-on code allows multiple units, enter the number of units in the field next to the code.
  • To apply multiple add-on codes, click the Add-On Code button again and continue adding codes as desired.
  • Click the Update Note Header button, then re-sign and save the note.

Remove an Add-On Code

  • When editing a note, click anywhere on the note header or click Edit in the upper right corner of the note header to open it.
  • Click on the X next to the add-on code you wish to remove.
  • Click the Update Note Header button, then re-sign and save the note.

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