ABA CPT code lookup & unit calculator.
Search the Category I adaptive behavior service codes (97151–97158) by number, service type, or documentation keyword. Each result shows who bills the code, its unit structure, and whether the patient is present — and the calculator converts session minutes into 15-minute units. Free, no account needed.
8 codes
- CPT 97151Assessment
Behavior identification assessment
The BCBA's assessment and treatment-plan development time — record review, observation, interviews, and plan authoring.
- Billed by
- A BCBA or other qualified health care professional (QHP). It is not a technician code.
- Units
- Time-based, billed in 15-minute units.
- Patient
- Includes both face-to-face time with the patient and caregivers and the non-face-to-face analysis and plan-development work.
- CPT 97152Assessment
Supporting assessment by technician
Technician-administered assessment procedures, delivered under the direction of the BCBA who owns the assessment.
- Billed by
- A technician (such as an RBT) administering assessment procedures under the direction of a BCBA. The BCBA still owns and bills the overarching assessment under 97151.
- Units
- Time-based, billed in 15-minute units.
- Patient
- Face-to-face with the patient — the technician is administering structured assessment procedures.
- CPT 97153Direct treatment
Adaptive behavior treatment by protocol
Technician-delivered 1:1 ABA treatment implemented under a written protocol — the most-billed ABA code.
- Billed by
- A technician (typically an RBT) delivering direct treatment under a BCBA's written protocol. A BCBA delivering direct service by protocol can also bill it.
- Units
- Time-based, billed in 15-minute units, one client at a time.
- Patient
- Face-to-face, 1:1 with the patient.
- CPT 97154Direct treatment
Group adaptive behavior treatment by protocol
Technician-delivered ABA treatment by protocol in a group of two or more clients.
- Billed by
- A technician (typically an RBT) delivering group treatment by protocol under a BCBA's direction.
- Units
- Time-based, billed in 15-minute units, for a group of two or more clients.
- Patient
- Face-to-face, in a group setting with two or more patients.
- CPT 97155Protocol modification
Adaptive behavior treatment with protocol modification
The BCBA's protocol modification time — adjusting the treatment plan, often while directing a technician.
- Billed by
- A BCBA or other QHP. The defining activity is clinical decision-making to modify the protocol — not direct implementation.
- Units
- Time-based, billed in 15-minute units.
- Patient
- Typically face-to-face; the BCBA may be directing a technician simultaneously.
- CPT 97156Caregiver & family guidance
Family adaptive behavior treatment guidance
Caregiver and family training — the BCBA or BCaBA guiding caregivers to implement treatment strategies.
- Billed by
- A BCBA or BCaBA (QHP). Caregiver training is generally outside the RBT scope.
- Units
- Time-based, billed in 15-minute units.
- Patient
- May be delivered with or without the patient present — the service is directed at the caregiver.
- CPT 97157Caregiver & family guidance
Multiple-family group adaptive behavior treatment guidance
Caregiver training delivered to multiple families in a group format, without the patients present.
- Billed by
- A BCBA or BCaBA (QHP) leading a multi-family caregiver group.
- Units
- Time-based, billed in 15-minute units, for multiple families.
- Patient
- Delivered without the patients present — caregivers only.
- CPT 97158Protocol modification
Group adaptive behavior treatment with protocol modification
The BCBA modifying treatment protocols in a group of two or more clients.
- Billed by
- A BCBA or other QHP modifying protocols in a group setting.
- Units
- Time-based, billed in 15-minute units, for a group of two or more clients.
- Patient
- Face-to-face, in a group setting with two or more patients.
Session minutes to 15-minute units
Every ABA Category I code (97151–97158) bills in 15-minute units. Enter the time spent on a single code to see the full units it covers.
This calculator is a planning aid, not billing guidance. Unit rounding, the 8-minute rule, concurrent-billing limits, and modifier requirements vary by payer, state, and contract, and change over time. Always confirm against your specific payer policy.
ABA CPT code and unit questions.
From lookup to documentation.
Once the code is right, the note still has to hold up.
BxScribe drafts ABA session notes that match the documentation each CPT code requires. Free tier includes 10 notes per month.