A Practical Guide to ABA CPT Codes in 2025

Billing isn’t what most ABA clinicians get excited about, but it can make or break a practice. Every year, CPT codes change, and 2025 brings some of the biggest updates yet. Whether you’re a clinician or billing specialist, understanding these codes and having the right billing software is essential. This guide breaks down what matters for ABA billing in 2025, helping you keep claims clean, payments steady, and your clinic running smoothly.

Why CPT Codes Matter and Why They Change

CPT codes aren’t “just numbers.” They’re the details insurance payers need to see before releasing payments for ABA therapy. These codes cover assessments, ongoing therapy, supervision, and family training. When the calendar flips and codes change, it’s about more than just updating a spreadsheet. It takes focused effort, careful attention, and workflows that actually keep everything running smoothly backed by ABA therapy billing software that handles the details so you don’t have to worry.

The Essentials & 2025 Updates for ABA CPT Codes

This year, you’ll notice big changes. New codes are out for telehealth and remote services. Some old codes have been retired, and descriptions for others got a tune-up.
Key codes include:

• 97151: For those detailed initial assessments every client needs.
• 97153: The bread and butter for day-to-day direct ABA interventions.
• 97155: When you’re modifying protocol on the fly or supervising a session.
• 97156, 97157: Supporting families with training and group work.
• Telehealth codes: Expanded and clarified for remote service claims.

Codes come with modifiers like HM, HO, HN, and 95, telling payers who provided the service and through which format i.e. whether in-person or remote. A good ABA medical billing system tracks these details and saves you from billing errors.

The Right Tools for the Job

Trying to keep everything organized on paper or with generic software puts clinics at risk for denials. What you want is an ABA practice management software that’s built for your field, and keeping everything HIPAA compliant from intake to claim submission.

What does that look like in practice?

• Claims are queued with up-to-date CPT codes and modifiers, flagged for any missing information.
• No scrambling to find session records or worrying about audit trails; it’s all right there, secure, organized, and easy to access.

Why Good Documentation Matters in ABA Billing

Getting codes right isn’t enough. Insurers want clear notes showing what services happened, who provided them, when, and for how long. That means logging start and end times, service location, and provider credential (modifier) every single session.

Staff sometimes leave this for later, but you should never. Make it routine, and lean on billing software that forces required fields so nothing falls through the cracks. If someone on your team is still hesitant about digital notes, walk through a claim that was paid the first time, with no delays. Show them the difference.

Practical Tips for Claim Approval

• Always document on the same day. Details are fresher, and digital tools help lock in accuracy.
• Review code sets monthly with your team. ABA therapy billing software offers reports and auto-updates; use them.
• Train everyone i.e. not just billers, but clinicians too, on how codes, modifiers, and session notes all fit together.
• If your ABA practice management software includes compliance alerts, set them to email everyone when codes change or payers send updates.
• Run test claims with new codes before rolling out practice-wide. You’ll catch quirks or payer-specific sticking points before they delay payments.

Why HIPAA Compliance Can't Be Ignored in 2025

Here's the thing about HIPAA, it's not going away, and neither are the fines. We've seen practices get hit with penalties that put them out of business, all because they thought their basic software was "good enough."

Your billing system handles names, addresses, treatment details, and payment info all day long. If that data gets exposed because your software doesn't encrypt properly or track who's looking at what, you're not just facing fines. You're explaining to families why their private information got leaked.

Good billing software costs more upfront, but it's cheaper than hiring lawyers or rebuilding your reputation after a breach. Get the real deal that has encryption, proper access controls, and backups that actually protect your data.

Transitioning to the Latest Code Set

No one likes surprises. Mark a “transition day” for new codes, update all templates, and walk your staff through the workflow changes. If your software automates updates, the process is smoother. Create quick reference sheets or cheat sheets for common scenarios, and make sure everyone knows who to ask for help when something doesn’t add up.

If your system can run parallel claims (one set with the old codes, another with the new), do it for the first week. Compare payment results and look for issues before going all in.

The Realities of Billing Changes in 2025

Transitioning billing codes isn’t a one-and-done project. Keep talking about it at staff meetings, send quick reminders, and celebrate when your first wave of claims gets paid correctly. When someone on the team finds a problem, treat it as a learning opportunity, not a failure. Your billing is a living process, and with the right tools and habits, it’s manageable even for a busy clinic.

All Things Considered…

Look, ABA billing isn't going anywhere, and it's probably not getting simpler anytime soon. But you don't need to stress about every code change or modifier update. You just need to pay attention to the basics, use great software, get the documentation correct and keep your team updated.

Focus on the basics, get your documentation right, use good software, and keep your team in the loop.

When your billing works the way it should, everything else gets easier. You're not chasing down denied claims or scrambling to fix errors. You're just doing the work you signed up for.

If your current billing setup feels like more trouble than it's worth, maybe it's time for something better. S Cubed takes care of the technical stuff so you don't have to think about it. Simple as that.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ABA billing CPT codes for 2025?

You’ll want to keep these ABA billing CPT codes top of mind:

• 97151 for detailed assessments by a BCBA or qualified pro
• 97153 when a technician delivers one-on-one therapy under supervision
• 97155 for sessions where the BCBA adjusts the plan in real time
• 97156 and 97157 for family training, both individual and group
• New telehealth codes (98000–98015) if you’re offering remote sessions

What's the difference between CPT codes 97153 and 97155?

You can think of it this way: use 97153 when the plan is already in place and a tech follows it. Choose 97155 when a BCBA is on the call, tweaking the plan as they go.

What modifiers are required for ABA billing?

The big ones are HM, HN, and HO which show the provider’s level of training and 95 to flag telehealth visits. If a visit happens in a home or community setting, add U8. Getting these right stops denials before they happen.

How do you bill for telehealth ABA therapy services?

Use your regular codes (97151, 97153, 97155, 97156, 97157) plus modifier 95. Note the platform you used and confirm your state or payer covers video visits.

Can you bill CPT codes 97153 and 97155 at the same time?

Yes, if a tech runs the session (97153) while the BCBA supervises and modifies it at the same time (97155). Just make sure your notes clearly separate who did what.