The new ABA CPT codes for 2027 are part of an important update to how adaptive behavior services are reported. The 2027 CPT code set introduces six new codes, revisions to existing codes, and updated guidelines that providers and billers will need to understand.
For practices using applied behavior analysis CPT codes, this is an important update. The changes take effect on January 1, 2027.
This is also more than a new set of numbers to memorize. A CPT code for applied behavior analysis can connect a clinical service to its authorization, documentation, billing, and reimbursement requirements. When coding changes, several workflows across the practice may need to change too.
Here is what ABA providers need to know about the 2027 CPT updates and how to start preparing.
What Is Changing With ABA CPT Codes in 2027?
On September 9, 2026, the American Medical Association (AMA) announced the release of the 2027 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set. The full update includes 299 new codes, 74 revisions, and 80 deletions across healthcare.
Six of those new codes are part of the revised code set for adaptive behavior services. For ABA providers, the changes include:
- Six new Category I CPT codes.
- Revisions to existing CPT codes 97151–97158.
- Revised guidelines for using the adaptive behavior services code set.
- Deletion of the existing temporary T codes.
The new applied behavior analysis CPT codes expand how providers can report specific services. This includes certain services for harmful behavior, non-face-to-face services performed by qualified healthcare professionals, and adaptive behavior treatment with analysis.
This is not a complete rewrite of ABA billing. But it is an update practices should understand before the first claims of 2027 start going out.
The Six New Applied Behavior Analysis CPT Codes for 2027
The six new CPT codes are 97148, 97149, 97159, 97160, 97173, and 97180. They join the existing Category I codes used for adaptive behavior assessment and treatment.
Here is a simplified overview:
| New CPT Code | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| 97148 | Supporting assessment of harmful behavior involving two technicians |
| +97149 | Additional technicians involved in the harmful behavior assessment |
| 97159 | Treatment of harmful behavior involving two technicians |
| +97160 | Additional technicians involved in harmful behavior treatment |
| 97173 | Adaptive behavior treatment with analysis performed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional |
| 97180 | Certain non-face-to-face adaptive behavior services performed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional |
The specific requirements behind each CPT code for applied behavior analysis matter. For example, the new harmful behavior assessment and treatment codes are not simply alternatives to existing ABA codes. They apply to services that meet specific conditions related to the patient’s behavior, staffing, and environment.
Providers and billing teams should review the official 2027 CPT guidance before using the new codes.
New CPT Codes for Harmful Behavior Assessment
CPT 97148 covers qualifying harmful behavior assessments involving two technicians. 97149 is an add-on code for additional technicians.
For practices, staffing, authorization, documentation, and billing will need to align with the service provided.
New CPT Codes for Harmful Behavior Treatment
CPT 97159 covers qualifying harmful behavior treatment involving two technicians. 97160 applies when additional technicians are needed.
Clear documentation will be essential to support who provided the service and how it was delivered.
A New CPT Code for Non-Face-to-Face ABA Services
CPT 97180 covers certain non-face-to-face services performed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional (QHP).
This can include reviewing data, making clinical decisions, planning transitions, and training technicians. Coverage and reimbursement will depend on payer policies.
A New CPT Code for Treatment With Analysis
CPT 97173 covers face-to-face treatment with analysis performed by a physician or other QHP.
Unlike 97155, which involves directing a technician, 97173 applies when the QHP performs the treatment with analysis.
What Is Changing With Existing Applied Behavior Analysis CPT Codes?
The familiar ABA codes are not disappearing.
Codes 97151 through 97158 remain part of the adaptive behavior services code set for 2027. However, the CPT Editorial Panel approved revisions to these codes as part of the broader update.
That means practices should not focus only on learning six new numbers.
Clinical leaders and billing teams should also review the updated definitions and guidelines associated with the codes they already use.
The ABA Coding Coalition has specifically noted that providers and billers will need to understand important definitions in the 2027 CPT book to accurately report adaptive behavior services.
The takeaway is simple: a familiar code does not necessarily mean a familiar rule.
What the 2027 CPT Changes Mean for ABA Billing
CPT changes rarely stay inside the billing department.
A new CPT code for applied behavior analysis can affect the entire path from service authorization to reimbursement.
- Practices may need to determine:
- Whether a payer covers the new code.
- Which providers are qualified to deliver the service.
- Whether prior authorization is required.
- How many units have been authorized.
- Whether multiple providers can bill during the service.
- What documentation must support the claim.
- Which modifiers or payer-specific requirements apply.
- How the code and rate should be configured in the billing system.
There is another important piece: a CPT code does not determine how much a payer will reimburse.
In its proposed 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, CMS indicated that carrier pricing would continue for adaptive behavior services in 2027, including the six new codes. That means reimbursement rates will continue to depend on payer-specific arrangements rather than a national Medicare fee for these services.
For ABA practices, payer guidance will be just as important as learning the new codes themselves.
What ABA Practices Should Do Before January 1, 2027
There is still time to prepare. The goal is to avoid discovering a configuration problem when the first 2027 claim is already sitting in the billing queue.
Start by reviewing the official CPT guidance and identifying which of the new services your practice may provide.
Then review payer policies as they become available. Coverage, rates, authorization rules, provider qualifications, modifiers, and documentation requirements may differ from payer to payer.
Clinical and billing teams should also work together on implementation. If a billing rule depends on how a service was delivered, the people providing and documenting that service need to understand the requirement too.
Finally, review your practice management and billing software.
Make sure the new applied behavior analysis CPT codes can be configured correctly and connected to the appropriate payers, services, authorizations, provider qualifications, documentation, and billing rules.
Because adding six codes to a dropdown menu is the easy part. Making sure everything behind those codes works correctly is where things get interesting.
New ABA CPT Codes 2027 FAQs
The updated adaptive behavior services code set takes effect January 1, 2027.
There are six new Category I CPT codes for adaptive behavior services: 97148, 97149, 97159, 97160, 97173, and 97180.
No. Codes 97151–97158 remain in the adaptive behavior services code set. However, revisions to the existing codes and guidelines were approved for 2027.
CPT 97180 covers certain non-face-to-face adaptive behavior services personally performed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. These can include data and session note review, clinical decision-making, assessment protocol development, discharge or transition planning, and certain technician training activities.
CPT 97173 covers adaptive behavior treatment with analysis performed face-to-face with one patient by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional, reported in 15-minute increments.
Not necessarily. CPT provides standardized codes for reporting healthcare services, but individual payers determine their own coverage, reimbursement, authorization, and billing policies. ABA practices should verify requirements directly with each payer before billing the new codes.
Practices should start preparing for the January 1 effective date. Configuration decisions should be based on official CPT guidance and payer-specific requirements. The AMA recommends using its official CPT resources for accurate coding and billing guidance.