How does Cpt Code 97153 Differ from 97155 in Billing?
In ABA therapy, CPT codes 97153 and 97155 differ primarily in the type of service provided and the professional responsible for delivering that service:
- 97153 (Direct Treatment): This code is used for one-on-one therapy sessions where a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) implements the treatment protocol designed by a BCBA. It focuses on the direct delivery of skill-building or behavior-reduction goals.
- 97155 (Protocol Modification): This code is used when a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is present during a session to oversee and modify the treatment plan. It accounts for clinical supervision and real-time adjustments to the protocol based on the child’s progress, rather than just direct implementation.
Key billing similarities and requirements include:
- Unit Increments: Both services are billed in 15-minute units. Providers must follow the “8-minute rule,” where at least 8 minutes of a block must be completed to bill for one unit.
- Medical Necessity: Both codes require documentation showing that the services are medically necessary for the child’s treatment.
- Separation of Services: Minutes from these different codes cannot be combined; they must be tracked and calculated separately. Billing both on the same day without clearly documenting separate, distinct services can lead to claim denials.
Related FAQs
-
How are Smart Goals Used in Aba Therapy Treatment Plans?
Read More »: How are Smart Goals Used in Aba Therapy Treatment Plans?In ABA therapy, SMART goals are used to create a structured and measurable roadmap for a child’s development. This framework ensures that broad therapeutic hopes are transformed into precise, actionable milestones. At Golden Touch ABA, the SMART framework is applied…
-
How do I Determine if my Insurance is Subject to State Autism Mandates?
Read More »: How do I Determine if my Insurance is Subject to State Autism Mandates?To determine if your insurance is subject to state autism mandates, you must first identify your health plan type and the state laws governing it. While many states have mandates requiring coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, these laws…
-
What Autism Benefits are Mandated by Arizona State Law?
Read More »: What Autism Benefits are Mandated by Arizona State Law?Under Arizona state law, specific mandates are in place to ensure that certain health insurance plans provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. Key benefits mandated by Arizona law include: It is important to note that…
-
How do State-regulated Insurance Plans Cover Autism Therapy?
Read More »: How do State-regulated Insurance Plans Cover Autism Therapy?State-regulated insurance plans cover autism therapy through autism insurance mandates. These are state laws that require health insurance companies to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder, specifically including evidence-based treatments like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)…
-
What are the Age Limits for the Autism Insurance Mandate in Maryland?
Read More »: What are the Age Limits for the Autism Insurance Mandate in Maryland?In Maryland, the autism insurance mandate provides broader protections compared to many other states. According to the state’s regulations: It is important to note that these state-level requirements generally apply to state-regulated (fully insured) plans. If you are covered by…
