Is Cpt Code 97153 for Direct Technician Services or Supervision?

CPT code 97153 is specifically designated for direct technician services.

This is an adaptive behavior treatment code for 1:1 therapy delivered by a technician—such as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)—under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). We utilize this code for sessions conducted in home, school, or center-based settings.

Key details regarding this code include:

  • Direct Care: It covers the actual delivery of the personalized therapy plan by the technician.
  • Time-Based Billing: The code is billed in 15-minute increments (units).
  • Modifiers: Depending on your insurance plan, modifiers like -HA (child/adolescent) or -95 (telehealth) may be added to the claim to provide context on how or to whom the service was delivered.

In contrast, supervision and protocol modifications are billed under CPT 97155, which is reserved for the BCBA’s oversight.

Our team provides hands-on ABA therapy for children who learn differently and handles the technical billing details for you. Please note that results may vary, and you should verify insurance coverage as prior authorization is typically required for these services. The information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice.