Upcoming Revisions to ABA CPT® Codes

by | Oct 20, 2025 | Medicaid, Policy, Private Insurance

The ABAI’s ABA Billing Codes Commission, in collaboration with the ABA Coding Coalition—which includes the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA), Autism Speaks, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), and the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP)—is pleased to announce that a code change application submitted to the American Medical Association (AMA) CPT® Editorial Panel was approved during the Panel’s September 2025 meeting.

While the specific language and details of the approved updates remain confidential under AMA CPT rules, the Panel accepted several important revisions to the Adaptive Behavior Services code set, including:

  • Addition of six new CPT codes,
  • Revisions to codes 97151–97158,
  • Updates to the code set guidelines governing appropriate usage, and
  • Deletion of existing T codes.

These changes represent a significant step forward in refining the accuracy, clarity, and consistency of CPT coding for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services. The updates are designed to better align clinical practice and payer requirements, ultimately supporting continued access to high-quality, evidence-based care for individuals receiving ABA services.

The revised codes and accompanying guidelines will take effect January 1, 2027, and will appear in the 2027 CPT® Professional Code Book, expected to be published in late 2026.

The ABA Billing Codes Commission and ABA Coding Coalition will provide additional updates, resources, and educational webinars once the AMA’s confidentiality period concludes and the finalized information is released. Until then, all providers and payers are reminded to comply with AMA CPT confidentiality rules regarding disclosure of code information.

References

  1. ABA Coding Coalition. (2025, October 7). ABA CPT Codes Update. Retrieved from [ABA Coding Coalition / Partner Organization Announcement].
  2. ABAI’s ABA Billing Codes Commission. (2025, September). Announcement on CPT Code Changes Approved by the AMA CPT® Editorial Panel.
  3. American Medical Association (AMA) CPT Editorial Panel. (2025, September). Summary of Panel Actions.