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Code deleted, see 96156, 96158, 96159

Official Description

Health and behavior assessment (eg, health-focused clinical interview, behavioral observations, psychophysiological monitoring, health-oriented questionnaires), each 15 minutes face-to-face with the patient; initial assessment

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 96150 refers to a comprehensive health and behavior assessment, which is a structured evaluation process aimed at understanding the interplay between a patient's health and behavioral factors. This assessment can be conducted by various qualified healthcare professionals, including physicians, psychologists, advanced practice nurses, and clinical social workers, all of whom possess specialized training in this area. The primary goal of the health and behavior assessment is to identify biopsychosocial factors that may influence a patient's physical health, particularly in the context of acute or chronic illnesses or disabilities. During the assessment, the healthcare provider engages the patient in a face-to-face interview, gathering detailed information about their medical history, emotional state, and social circumstances. This process includes evaluating the patient's capacity to manage issues related to their health conditions. To enhance the assessment, standardized questionnaires are utilized to measure various factors such as anxiety levels, pain experiences, coping strategies, and other relevant contributors to the patient's overall health. Following the assessment, a tailored treatment plan is developed, which encompasses health and behavioral interventions aimed at addressing the identified issues, including strategies to modify any social factors that may adversely affect the patient's health. The initial face-to-face assessment is reported using the code 96150, with billing occurring for each 15-minute increment of time spent with the patient. For subsequent face-to-face reassessments, the code 96151 is utilized, also billed in 15-minute increments.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The health and behavior assessment (CPT® Code 96150) is indicated for patients who may be experiencing a range of health-related issues that could benefit from a comprehensive evaluation of their biopsychosocial factors. This includes, but is not limited to, the following conditions:

  • Chronic Illnesses Patients with long-term health conditions that require ongoing management and support.
  • Acute Illnesses Individuals facing sudden health challenges that may impact their emotional and social well-being.
  • Disabilities Patients with physical or mental disabilities that affect their ability to cope with health-related issues.
  • Behavioral Concerns Individuals exhibiting anxiety, depression, or other psychological factors that may influence their physical health.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting a health and behavior assessment involves several key steps, each designed to gather comprehensive information about the patient's health and behavioral status. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Initial Patient Interview The healthcare professional begins the assessment with a face-to-face interview with the patient. This interview is structured to elicit detailed information regarding the patient's medical history, emotional state, and social circumstances. The provider asks targeted questions to understand the patient's current health challenges and any relevant past experiences.
  • Step 2: Behavioral Observations During the interview, the healthcare provider makes behavioral observations that may provide insight into the patient's emotional and psychological state. These observations are crucial for identifying any non-verbal cues that may indicate underlying issues affecting the patient's health.
  • Step 3: Psychophysiological Monitoring If applicable, the provider may utilize psychophysiological monitoring techniques to assess the patient's physiological responses to stress or other health-related factors. This step helps in understanding the relationship between the patient's mental state and physical health.
  • Step 4: Administration of Health-Oriented Questionnaires Standardized questionnaires are administered to the patient to evaluate various aspects of their health, including anxiety levels, pain experiences, and coping strategies. These tools provide quantitative data that can be analyzed to inform the treatment plan.
  • Step 5: Development of Treatment Plan Based on the information gathered during the assessment, the healthcare provider develops a personalized treatment plan. This plan includes health and behavioral interventions tailored to address the specific needs of the patient, as well as strategies for modifying any social factors that may be impacting their health.

3. Post-Procedure

After the health and behavior assessment is completed, the patient may be provided with recommendations for follow-up care and interventions based on the developed treatment plan. The healthcare provider may schedule subsequent appointments to monitor the patient's progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. It is essential for the patient to engage in the recommended interventions and follow up as advised to optimize their health outcomes. Additionally, the provider may document the assessment findings and treatment plan in the patient's medical record to ensure continuity of care and facilitate communication among healthcare team members.

Short Descr ASSESS HLTH/BEHAVE INIT
Medium Descr HLTH&BEHAVIOR ASSMT EA 15 MIN W/PT 1ST ASSMT
Long Descr Health and behavior assessment (eg, health-focused clinical interview, behavioral observations, psychophysiological monitoring, health-oriented questionnaires), each 15 minutes face-to-face with the patient; initial assessment
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Codes That May Be Paid Through a Composite APC
Type of Service (TOS) 9 - Other Medical Items or Services
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) M5D - Specialist - other
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 218 - Psychological and psychiatric evaluation and therapy
Date
Action
Notes
2019-12-31 Deleted Code deleted, see 96156, 96158, 96159
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2003-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2002-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2002.
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