CPT Code 97153: Adaptive Behavior Treatment by Technician

What is CPT code 97153: Adaptive behavior treatment?

The 97153 CPT code refers to adaptive behavior treatment by protocol, a core service within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. This code describes direct, one-on-one face-to-face sessions between a behavior technician and one patient, delivered under the supervision of a physician or other qualified healthcare professional (QHP) such as a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). Billed in 15-minute units, the current procedural terminology (CPT code) 97153 is used when the technician applies a structured treatment plan that has been pre-approved by a supervising professional without making modifications during the session.

In ABA therapy, adaptive behavior treatment helps clients acquire functional skills and reduce maladaptive or destructive behavior through consistent and evidence-based intervention. These services are often critical for patients who exhibit challenging behaviors and require structured guidance to improve social, communication, and daily living abilities.

Importantly, CPT Code 97153 applies exclusively to direct ABA services provided by one technician working with one patient present. It is not used for group therapy or protocol modification administered by a supervisor. ABA provider groups must ensure accurate use of this billing code to meet payer policies and maintain compliance across treatment delivery.

CPT code 97153 documentation requirements

Accurate documentation is essential when billing for CPT Code 97153 to demonstrate medical necessity and support claims with insurance payers. Thorough records help avoid denied claims, meet authorization period requirements, and ensure proper reimbursement for ABA therapy billing. Since this code involves direct adaptive behavior treatment by a technician, documentation should reflect the following components clearly and consistently.

Key documentation requirements for the 97153 CPT code include:

• The date of service and exact session duration are broken down by 15-minute increments (e.g., "2 units billed for 30 minutes").
• Verification that the service was one-on-one, face-to-face with the patient present.
• Detailed description of the treatment plan goals addressed during the session, particularly those focusing on skill acquisition or reducing destructive behavior.
• A list of treatment protocols and strategies was applied, adhering strictly to the pre-approved intervention plan without modification.
• Behavior data collected, including patient responses and progress toward the targeted goals.
• Any noncompliance issues or barriers encountered during the session?
• Name and credentials of the behavior technician administering the service and the supervising qualified health care professional.
• Progress notes summarize the session and reference the patient's behavior throughout treatment.
• Confirmation that the session followed the adaptive behavior treatment by protocol, administered plan, not a modified version.
• While the supervising QHP does not need to be physically present, ongoing oversight and protocol review are required to maintain compliance and quality of care.

Proper documentation helps ABA providers maintain high quality care, improve timely submission of claims, and reduce the risk of audit findings or compliance issues.

CPT code 97153 billing guidelines

Correctly applying the billing code for CPT Code 97153 is critical for ABA provider groups seeking reimbursement from private payers or Medicaid programs. Understanding how to bill this code in alignment with payer policies reduces errors, supports timely submission, and minimizes the chance of denied claims.

Key billing guidelines for the 97153 CPT code include:

• Bill in 15-minute units for direct services (e.g., "4 units" for a one-hour session).
• One technician must deliver services face-to-face to one patient.
• The technician must be supervised by a qualified healthcare professional (BCBA, psychologist, physician), though simultaneous direction or physical presence is not required during the session.
• Do not use this code for group adaptive behavior treatment (use CPT Code 97154 for two or more patients).
• Indirect services like documentation outside the session, supervision, or treatment planning are not billable under this code.
• Prior authorization may be required by certain payers, with weekly or monthly caps on authorized hours.
• Ensure the treatment plan is active and pre-approved, with goals aligned to the session’s services.
• Confirm that the billing reflects one unit per 15 minutes of patient-present treatment time.
• Maintain adherence to the American Medical Association's guidelines for current procedural terminology (CPT codes).

Following these billing rules ensures ABA therapy billing is accurate and compliant, supporting proper reimbursement rates and sustaining high quality care.

Other related codes

The 97153 CPT code is one of several ABA CPT codes established to categorize services within applied behavior analysis ABA therapy. Using the correct codes for each service type ensures proper billing and clarifies the nature of the service provided—whether it’s administering assessments, direct treatment, caregiver training, or protocol modification administered by a supervising clinician.

• 97151 – Comprehensive behavior identification assessment by a QHP, face-to-face, 30+ minutes
• 97152 – Behavior identification supporting assessment by technician under supervision
• 97153 – Adaptive behavior treatment by protocol, face-to-face, one technician, one patient
• 97154 – Group adaptive behavior treatment by technician, face-to-face with two or more patients
• 97155 – Behavior treatment with protocol modification by QHP, face-to-face with one patient
• 97156 – Family adaptive behavior treatment guidance by QHP, face-to-face with caregivers
• 97157 – Multiple family group adaptive behavior treatment guidance by QHP, face-to-face
• 97158 – Group adaptive behavior treatment with protocol modification, face-to-face
• 0373T – Adaptive behavior treatment with protocol modification administered by QHP with two or more technicians

Correct usage of these CPT codes helps maintain billing accuracy, supports ABA therapy billing compliance, and distinguishes between assessment, treatment, protocol adjustments, and caregiver-focused services.