# What are the ABA CPT codes, and what changes in 2027? > The adaptive behavior codes in plain language, who typically delivers each, and the new 2027 code set. URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/aba-cpt-codes By The Autism Kit team ยท Updated 2026-09-27 **Short answer:** ABA services in the U.S. are usually billed with adaptive behavior CPT codes, reported in 15-minute units. Since 2019, the set has been 97151 to 97158 plus Category III codes 0362T and 0373T. On January 1, 2027, a revised set takes effect: 0362T and 0373T are deleted, and six new codes are added, including 97173 (treatment by a QHP) and 97180 (non-face-to-face services). **Key takeaways** - 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] **On-site requirements.** For harmful behavior codes (97148, 97149, 97159, 97160), the QHP must be on site and immediately available, though not necessarily in the room. Telehealth may meet this where appropriate and allowed by payers and law. [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 **Documentation matters more than ever.** Clear notes that show what was done, by whom and why make any code change easier. The Autism Kit Pro supports caregiver-training documentation with structured draft notes you review and sign. ## What can I do before January? - [ ] Download the ABA Coding Coalition crosswalk - [ ] List your payers and their 2027 guidance - [ ] Update note templates for 97173 and 97180 ## Common questions ### When do the new ABA codes take effect? January 1, 2027, according to the ABA Coding Coalition's crosswalk. Payers may issue their own implementation guidance, so check each one. ### What replaced 0362T and 0373T? 97148 (with +97149 for each additional technician) replaces 0362T for assessment of harmful behavior, and 97159 (with +97160) replaces 0373T for treatment of harmful behavior. ### Who counts as a qualified healthcare professional (QHP)? The crosswalk lists licensed behavior analysts, licensed assistant behavior analysts, BCBA-Ds, BCBAs, BCaBAs, or other credentialed professionals whose scope includes ABA. State law and payer rules also apply. ## Sources 1. ABA Coding Coalition: 2027 adaptive behavior assessment and treatment code conversion table (September 2026). https://abacodes.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2027-CPT-Code-Crosswalk.pdf 2. ABA Coding Coalition: ABA billing codes. https://www.abacodes.org/codes General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.