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How much insurance pays for 90791 (initial evaluation)

Major insurers typically reimburse $97 to $133 for CPT 90791 (initial evaluation). Aetna $129, Anthem BCBS $133, Cigna $97, UnitedHealthcare $131, based on contracted rates published in CMS Transparency in Coverage files. Rates vary widely by state. Updated July 2026.

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CPT 90791 is the psychiatric diagnostic evaluation, the intake session. It is billed once per new client episode and usually reimburses above a routine therapy session.

  • Reimbursement rates retrieved from CMS transparency data
  • Updated July 2026
Typical national in-network reimbursement and common range for CPT 90791 by payer, from CMS Transparency in Coverage files. Updated July 2026.
PayerTypical rateTypical range
Aetna$129$129–$146
Anthem BCBS$133$133–$156
Cigna$97$97–$114
UnitedHealthcare$131$131–$149
Typical national in-network reimbursement and common range for CPT 90791 by payer, from CMS Transparency in Coverage files. Updated July 2026.
Highest-paying states for CPT 90791 by payer, from published contracted rates. For your own state and license, use the calculator above.
StateAetnaAnthem BCBSCignaUnitedHealthcare
North Dakota$160n/a$60$158
Wyoming$140n/a$94$159
Connecticut$141$127$108$157
Massachusettsn/an/a$104$157
Montana$144n/an/a$153
Swipe the table for more columns. Highest-paying states for CPT 90791 by payer, from published contracted rates. For your own state and license, use the calculator above. Top five states with enough published data. Your state's figures are in the calculator above and on its own rate guide.

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About this data

From CMS Transparency in Coverage files, which insurers must publish. This page reflects published contracted rates for CPT 90791 across 50 states. Each figure is the typical contracted rate for master's-level clinicians (LCSW, LMHC, LMFT): a guide, not a quote, and credentialing never guarantees panel acceptance. Last synced July 2026.

Common questions

What is the average reimbursement for CPT 90791?
Across Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, the typical national rate for 90791 (initial evaluation) runs from $97 to $133 per session, based on CMS Transparency in Coverage data. State-level rates can sit well above or below that.
Does 90791 pay differently by state?
Yes, the same payer's contracted 90791 rate can differ by 30% or more between states. The highest-paying states are listed above; for your own state and license, use the calculator or your state's rate guide.
How do I start billing these codes in network?
You need to be credentialed with each payer first; your own contract then sets your exact rates, and it applies from the day you're approved. Payer reviews run 60 to 120 days and only start once a clean application is filed, so filing sooner is the fastest route to billing in network. We prepare and file each application for a one-time $99 per payer and handle the follow-ups from there. Start with paneled.ai.

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