CPT Code 97152: Behavior Identification Supporting Assessment
Reviewed against AMA CPT and CMS guidance. See sources.
What is CPT 97152?
CPT 97152 is the behavior identification supporting assessment in ABA. A technician, such as an RBT, carries it out face-to-face with the client under the direction of a BCBA or other qualified professional. It is billed per 15 minutes and supports the 97151 assessment, for example through structured observation, data collection, or skills probes.
Supporting behavioral assessment administered by a technician under the direction of a qualified health care professional. Often used for structured observations, preference assessments, and data collection that feed the BCBA's assessment.
Time Requirements
Per 15 minutes of the technician's face-to-face time with the client. Payers may set their own unit rules.
Modifiers
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 96 | Habilitative services (some payers require it on ABA claims). |
| HM to HP | Clinician education level modifiers some Medicaid programs require: HM (less than bachelor's), HN (bachelor's), HO (master's), HP (doctoral). |
Billing a session by video or phone? See telehealth modifiers 95, 93, GT and POS 02 vs 10.
When to Use
- Technician-run assessment activities directed by the BCBA, such as structured observation or skills probes
- Preference assessments and reinforcer identification
- Data collection that supports a functional behavior assessment
- Supporting work during reassessments
When Not to Use
- The BCBA's own assessment time: use 97151
- Direct ABA treatment: use 97153
- When no qualified professional is directing the assessment
What to Document for CPT 97152
- The directing BCBA and the technician who carried out the assessment
- Assessment activities and procedures
- Data collected
- Start and stop times
Common Denial Reasons
- Units exceed the authorized assessment amount
- Documentation does not describe the assessment procedure
- No record of the qualified professional directing the work
- Technician credentials not on file with the payer
Payer Notes
Prior authorization is typically required as part of the ABA assessment. Some payers authorize 97151 and 97152 together as one assessment amount, while others list them separately.
ICD-10 diagnosis codes
Every claim pairs the CPT code with the diagnosis the clinician documented. See the mental health ICD-10 code reference or a condition guide:
Related Codes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an RBT perform 97152?
Yes. 97152 is designed to be carried out by a technician under the direction of a BCBA or other qualified professional. Document who directed the assessment.
What is the difference between 97152 and 97151?
97151 is the qualified professional's assessment time, including report writing. 97152 is face-to-face assessment work done by a technician under that professional's direction.
Is 97152 authorized separately from 97151?
It depends on the payer. Some combine the two into one assessment authorization and others approve units for each code. Check the authorization before scheduling.
Is 97152 face-to-face?
Yes. CPT describes 97152 as face-to-face with the client. Time the technician spends without the client is not counted.
Sources: American Medical Association (AMA), CPT Professional codebook: code descriptors, psychotherapy time rules, and add-on code guidance. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) policy. Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB): RBT supervision requirements. CPT revises the adaptive behavior codes (97151 to 97158) and adds new codes effective January 1, 2027. This page reflects the codes in effect through 2026.
- AMA: CPT overview
- CMS: National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits
- CMS Medicare Coverage Database: Billing and Coding, Psychiatry and Psychology Services (A57480)
- CMS: Physician Fee Schedule relative value files
- CMS MLN901705: Telehealth and Remote Monitoring (PDF)
Payer rules vary. Confirm coverage, time, modifier, and documentation rules with each payer before billing. This page is general education, not billing or legal advice.
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