How Much Does Psychiatric Evaluation with Medical Services Cost?
Also known as: Psych diag eval w/med srvcs (CPT 90792)
A psychiatric evaluation that includes medical (physical) examination components in addition to the mental health assessment.
Psychiatric Evaluation with Medical Services (CPT 90792) costs $159 at Medicare rates.
Patient Guide: Psychiatric Evaluation with Medical Services
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
The psychiatrist conducts a comprehensive mental health interview and also performs or orders physical examination elements, such as a neurological exam, to help differentiate medical causes of mental health symptoms.
How Long Does It Take?
60-90 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Mental health symptoms that may have a medical cause, new patient psychiatric evaluation, complex diagnostic cases
How to Prepare
Bring all medications, medical records, and a symptoms timeline. Be prepared for both a mental health interview and physical examination.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Psych diag eval w/med srvcs
How to Reduce Your Cost for Psych diag eval w/med srvcs
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
For this procedure, the office rate ($202) differs from the facility rate ($159). Ask if it can be done in an office setting.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (6.05) x CF ($33.40) = $202
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
People Also Ask
Common questions people search for about this procedure
Is it expensive to see a psychiatrist?
Cost Ranges in California: A Closer Look Initial Psychiatric Evaluation: 00 - 00+ (private practice) Varies in hospital settings. May be lower in community clinics.
What if I can't afford a psychiatrist?
Ask your therapist about their sliding scale options Many therapists will adjust their hourly fee to match your income or base it on the financial resources you have to put towards therapy. You just have to ask. It can also be an option if you've already been seeing a therapist and need to reevaluate your spending.
Will a psychiatrist prescribe Ambien?
While psychiatric providers may sometimes prescribe medications like eszopiclone (Lunesta) or zolpidem (Ambien), these are typically used for short-term relief or very specific cases. ⚠️ These medications carry a risk of dependence, memory impairment, or next-day drowsiness.
Can a psychiatrist help with autism?
Pediatricians and primary-care physicians who treat children will undoubtedly see patients who have an autism diagnosis. But if your interest is to specialize in treating autism, your options include psychiatry (particularly child and adolescent psychiatry) and pediatric neurology.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Psych diag eval w/med srvcs cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Psych diag eval w/med srvcs is $159. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Psych diag eval w/med srvcs cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Psych diag eval w/med srvcs can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Psych diag eval w/med srvcs?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Psych diag eval w/med srvcs when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.