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Billing and coding

How to use CPT code 99050

Learn the differences between CPT codes 99050 and 99051 and how to bill them correctly.

July 17, 2025

6 min read

As a therapist, your job is all about supporting your clients on their mental health journey — and sometimes, that may mean working outside of your standard business hours. If you provide therapy on an evening, weekend, or holiday you’re not scheduled to work, you may use CPT code 99050 on top of a standalone psychotherapy code to bill insurance. 

Below, learn more about how to use CPT code 99050 in your therapy practice.

CPT code 99050 description

CPT code 99050 is an add-on code used for “services provided in the office at times other than regularly scheduled office hours, or days when the office is normally closed (e.g., holidays, Saturday or Sunday), in addition to basic service.”

As an add-on code, it’s used in addition to standalone codes, such as codes for assessment or psychotherapy. Any licensed therapist who performs a service for a client outside of business hours can bill with CPT code 99050.

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99050 vs. 99051: What’s the difference?

Both 99050 and 99051 represent work that occurs outside of a typical weekday schedule.

CPT code 99050 is used for services provided outside of regularly scheduled business hours. For example, if you typically work 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and you meet with a client at 7 p.m. on Thursday, you could use this CPT code. 

CPT code 99051, on the other hand, is used for “services provided in the office during regularly scheduled evening, weekend, or holiday office hours, in addition to basic service.” In other words, you could use this code to bill that same Thursday 7 p.m. appointment if it’s part of your regular schedule rather than outside of it.

CPT code 99050 reimbursement rates

Reimbursement rates for CPT code 99050 vary depending on your specific contract with an insurance payer. Insurance companies are not typically required to reimburse for this code unless the contract states it will.

When 99050 is not covered?

Code 99050 is not covered when an appointment starts during your standard business hours but ends outside of it. For example, this code would not be appropriate if you worked from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., started therapy at 4:30 p.m., and ended the session at 5:15 p.m.

Every insurance plan and contract is different, so if you’re unsure about whether CPT 99050 is covered, it’s a good idea to review the terms of your contract.

More CPT code resources

Navigating CPT codes can be challenging and time-consuming. To learn more about coding as a therapy provider, visit Headway’s library of resources, including: 

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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute clinical, legal, financial, or professional advice. All decisions should be made at the discretion of the individual or organization, in consultation with qualified clinical, legal, or other appropriate professionals.

© 2026 Therapymatch, Inc. dba Headway. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.

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