90870 Electroconvulsive therapy
Also known as: Electroconvulsive therapy, ECT, Electroshock therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), administration of anesthesia and therapeutic electrical stimulation to induce controlled seizure for psychiatric treatment.
In Plain Language
Electric shock therapy; Brain stimulation therapy
Clinical Context
Used for severe depression, bipolar disorder, catatonia, and other psychiatric conditions unresponsive to medications; performed under anesthesia.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.50 |
| Total RVU | 2.50 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Medicine section codes cover a wide range of non-surgical services. This code has a 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Documentation should include the clinical indication, procedure details, interpretation (if applicable), and any patient-specific findings.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 2.50, this code ranks in the 83rd percentile among Medicine codes — 3.2x the median (0.78). The highest wRVU in this category is 23.92.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 90870?
CPT 90870 (Electroconvulsive therapy) is a Medicine code. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), administration of anesthesia and therapeutic electrical stimulation to induce controlled seizure for psychiatric treatment.
Who uses CPT code 90870?
CPT 90870 is used by Psychiatry, Anesthesiology, Mental Health. Used for severe depression, bipolar disorder, catatonia, and other psychiatric conditions unresponsive to medications; performed under anesthesia.
When is CPT 90870 used?
Used for severe depression, bipolar disorder, catatonia, and other psychiatric conditions unresponsive to medications; performed under anesthesia.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.