2027 ABA CPT Codes Are Official: Here Are the Six New Codes

Update: The new 2027 CPT codes for ABA services have been officially announced.

Over the past year, we've been following the upcoming changes to the CPT codes used for ABA services. In July, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) gave us our first sneak peek at six new codes as part of the proposed 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule—but at the time, the codes were subject to change.

The American Medical Association (AMA) officially released the 2027 CPT® code set on September 9, 2026. The updated code set includes six new codes for adaptive behavior services, along with revisions to existing codes.

The changes take effect January 1, 2027. Let's take a closer look at what's changing.

The Six New 2027 ABA CPT Codes

The 2027 code set introduces six new CPT codes for adaptive behavior services:

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Taking a Closer Look at the New Codes

CPT Codes 97148 and 97149: Assessment of Harmful Behavior

Code 97148 covers a behavior identification-supporting assessment of harmful behavior conducted face-to-face with the client. The service requires two technicians and must occur in an environment customized to the client's behavior.

When more than two technicians are required, 97149 is an add-on code to bill the time of additional technicians. This provides dedicated codes for reporting assessments of harmful behavior that require multiple technicians.

CPT Code 97180: Non-Face-to-Face Clinical Services

Perhaps one of the most notable changes for ABA professionals is code 97180. This code recognizes certain clinical work performed outside of face-to-face treatment. In other words, non-client-facing treatment planning!

Activities may include:

• Review and analysis of data and session notes on patient treatment targets,

• Clinical decision-making regarding the need to modify treatment targets, goals, or protocols and/or making those modifications,

• Clinical decision-making regarding the need for additional assessment and developing or modifying assessment protocols,

• Developing discharge or transition plan,

• Training on or reviewing treatment targets and/or revised assessment or treatment protocols with technician(s).

The code is reported in 15-minute increments and must be personally performed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional.

Non-billable treatment planning is a major pain point in ABA, so the addition of a dedicated CPT code for these activities could be significant for providers.

CPT Codes 97159 and 97160: Treatment of Harmful Behavior

97159 applies to adaptive behavior treatment of harmful behavior involving two technicians, provided face-to-face with the patient in an environment customized to the patient's behavior. 97160 is the corresponding add-on code used for additional technician time when more than two technicians are required.

CPT Code 97173: Treatment With Analysis by a QHP

The new 97173 code covers adaptive behavior treatment with analysis administered face-to-face with one patient by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional.

This creates a distinct code for treatment with analysis delivered by the BCBA or other QHP.

This is particularly noteworthy when considered alongside changes to 97155. The new code creates a distinct way to report treatment with analysis delivered directly by the QHP, rather than treatment implemented by a technician while the QHP provides direction and analysis.

Existing ABA CPT Code Changes

The familiar adaptive behavior codes 97151–97158 remain part of the 2027 code set, but several descriptors have been revised.

One of the most significant changes involves 97155. Previously, 97155 was described as adaptive behavior treatment with protocol modification administered by the QHP, which could include simultaneous direction of a technician.

Beginning in 2027, 97155 is described as "adaptive behavior direction of technician and analysis" by a physician or other QHP. At the same time, the new 97173 specifically describes adaptive behavior treatment with analysis administered by the QHP.

97156 has also been revised and now describes family adaptive behavior treatment guidance with analysis. The descriptor includes discussing protocols and treatment targets and/or training caregivers to implement assessment or treatment protocols.

2027 ABA CPT Codes Frequently Asked Questions

Preparing For The ABA 2027 CPT Codes

Now that the AMA has officially released the codes, ABA organizations can begin better preparing for the January 1, 2027 effective date. Organizations should familiarize clinical and billing teams with the new codes and revised descriptors, determine which services may be impacted, and begin reviewing their documentation and billing workflows.

However, don't make assumptions about coverage based solely on the availability of a CPT code. Payer-specific coverage, authorization, billing requirements, provider qualifications, and reimbursement policies will remain important considerations. Verify requirements with individual funders before implementing billing changes.

Additional Guidance

The ABA Coding Coalition is hosting the following webinars for providers, billers, regulators, and vendors.

• September 21, 2026 @ 1-2:30 pm ET: ABAI Sponsored Webinar for Providers, Billers, and EMR vendors

• September 28, 2026 @ 3-4:30 pm ET: APBA Sponsored Webinar for Providers

• September 30, 2026 @ 12-1:30 pm ET: CASP Sponsored Webinar for Payers and Regulators (by invitation only)

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered billing, coding, legal, or reimbursement advice. Providers should consult the official 2027 CPT® code set and applicable payer guidance when determining how to report services.

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