CPT Code 97158: ABA, Group Adaptive Behavior Treatment

Yes. 97158 in ABA therapy is a time-based code, billed per 15-minute unit per qualified health care professional providing face-to-face services during the group session. Always track the maximum number of units allowed per session based on payer policies.

No. This code is not appropriate for large, passive groups. The group must be small enough to allow individualized protocol modifications, active interaction, and behavior treatment with protocol guidance. The setting should reflect therapeutic intent, not general education.

Qualified health care professionals, such as board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) or other licensed practitioners, are typically required. The provider must be capable of making clinical decisions and supervising services, especially when family adaptive behavior treatment or group interventions are involved.