- ABA codes are billed in 15-minute units.
- The current set: 97151 to 97158, plus 0362T and 0373T.
- From January 1, 2027: six new codes, and 0362T and 0373T are deleted.
- Always check payer policies and state rules.
What are the current ABA codes?
| Code | Plain-language description | Typically delivered by |
|---|---|---|
| 97151 | Behavior identification assessment | QHP |
| 97152 | Supporting assessment | Technician |
| 0362T | Assessment of destructive behavior in a customized setting | 2+ technicians, QHP on site |
| 97153 | Treatment by protocol, one client | Technician |
| 97154 | Group treatment by protocol | Technician |
| 0373T | Treatment of destructive behavior in a customized setting | 2+ technicians, QHP on site |
| 97155 | Treatment with protocol modification | QHP (may direct technician) |
| 97156 | Family treatment guidance | QHP with caregivers |
| 97157 | Multiple-family group guidance | QHP with caregivers |
| 97158 | Group treatment with protocol modification | QHP |
Source: ABA Coding Coalition crosswalk.1
What changes on January 1, 2027?
The AMA published a revised code set that takes effect January 1, 2027: six new codes, revised descriptors for 97151 to 97158, and deletion of the Category III T-codes.1
| 2027 code | What it covers | Replaces or changes |
|---|---|---|
| 97148 (+97149) | Supporting assessment of harmful behavior, 2 technicians (+ each additional) | Replaces 0362T |
| 97159 (+97160) | Treatment of harmful behavior, 2 technicians (+ each additional) | Replaces 0373T |
| 97173 | Treatment with analysis, delivered by a QHP face-to-face | Previously reported with 97155 |
| 97155 | Direction of technician with analysis by a QHP | Revised descriptor |
| 97180 | QHP non-face-to-face services: data review, plan changes, protocol training with technicians | New; wasn't separately reportable |
| 97156 | Family guidance with analysis, including training caregivers to implement protocols | Revised descriptor |
The crosswalk notes 97180 may be reported once per week by summing non-face-to-face time over the previous seven days.1
How should clinics prepare?
Try
- Reading the full crosswalk and supplemental guidance
- Updating templates and note fields before January
- Checking each payer's implementation plan
- Training BCBAs on 97173 vs. 97155 and 97180
Skip
- Assuming every payer switches the same day
- Copying old note templates unchanged
What can I do before January?
0 of 3 done
