Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
CareerCenter
Medical Coding Job Board
Log in Register free account

Need help choosing the right code?

Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.

Try CasePilot
Code deleted, see 96156, 96158, 96159

Official Description

Health and behavior intervention, each 15 minutes, face-to-face; individual

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Health and behavior intervention services, as defined by CPT® Code 96152, encompass a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at enhancing health outcomes and overall well-being. These interventions may involve cognitive, behavioral, social, and psychophysiological strategies tailored to the individual needs of the patient. The primary goal of these services is to mitigate the frequency and severity of disease-related issues while promoting healthier behaviors. Qualified healthcare professionals, including physicians, psychologists, advanced practice nurses, and clinical social workers, deliver these interventions, leveraging their specialized training in health and behavior methodologies. Each intervention is uniquely designed based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient, ensuring that the strategies employed are relevant and effective. Techniques may include educational components addressing biopsychosocial factors that influence health, stress reduction methods such as relaxation exercises and guided imagery, and social support mechanisms like group discussions and social skills training. In cases where family dynamics contribute to the patient's health challenges, family members may also be involved in the intervention process. This involvement can enhance communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills within the family unit. Providers may offer guidance on managing biopsychosocial factors pertinent to the care of children or terminally ill patients, equipping family members with behavior modification techniques, such as praise and reward systems or distraction methods to alleviate fear and anxiety. For caregivers of terminally ill patients, the focus may shift to improving communication, monitoring pain, and addressing sensitive issues surrounding death and dying. Each 15-minute increment of face-to-face intervention is reported using the appropriate CPT® code, with 96152 specifically designated for individual encounters with the patient.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The health and behavior intervention services represented by CPT® Code 96152 are indicated for a variety of conditions and situations where improving health outcomes and overall well-being is essential. These indications may include, but are not limited to:

  • Cognitive and Behavioral Issues - Interventions may be necessary for patients experiencing cognitive challenges or behavioral problems that affect their health.
  • Chronic Illness Management - Patients with chronic diseases may benefit from interventions aimed at reducing the severity and frequency of disease-related complications.
  • Psychosocial Stressors - Individuals facing significant psychosocial stressors that impact their health may require targeted interventions to address these factors.
  • Family Dynamics - When family dynamics exacerbate health issues, interventions may be indicated to improve communication and support within the family.
  • Terminal Illness Support - Caregivers of terminally ill patients may need guidance and support to manage the complexities of care and emotional challenges associated with end-of-life issues.

2. Procedure

The procedure for delivering health and behavior intervention services under CPT® Code 96152 involves several key steps that ensure effective and individualized care. Each step is designed to facilitate a comprehensive approach to the patient's health and well-being.

  • Assessment - Initially, a thorough assessment of the patient's health status, psychosocial factors, and specific needs is conducted. This assessment is crucial for tailoring the intervention to the individual, ensuring that the strategies employed are relevant and effective.
  • Intervention Planning - Based on the assessment findings, a personalized intervention plan is developed. This plan outlines the specific techniques and approaches that will be utilized during the intervention sessions, focusing on the patient's unique circumstances.
  • Implementation of Techniques - During the face-to-face encounter, the healthcare professional implements various techniques, which may include education on biopsychosocial factors, stress reduction methods, and social skills training. The provider actively engages with the patient to facilitate understanding and participation in the intervention process.
  • Family Involvement - If applicable, family members are included in the intervention to address dynamics that may be impacting the patient's health. The provider may offer guidance on communication strategies, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills, enhancing the family's ability to support the patient effectively.
  • Follow-Up and Adjustment - After the initial intervention, follow-up sessions may be scheduled to assess progress, make necessary adjustments to the intervention plan, and provide ongoing support. This iterative process ensures that the intervention remains aligned with the patient's evolving needs.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following health and behavior intervention services involves monitoring the patient's progress and the effectiveness of the strategies implemented. Patients may be encouraged to practice techniques learned during the intervention in their daily lives, with the provider offering support and guidance as needed. Additionally, follow-up appointments may be scheduled to evaluate the patient's response to the intervention, address any emerging issues, and adjust the intervention plan accordingly. It is essential to maintain open communication between the patient, family members, and the healthcare provider to ensure that the intervention continues to meet the patient's needs and contributes positively to their health outcomes.

Short Descr INTERVENE HLTH/BEHAVE INDIV
Medium Descr HLTH&BEHAVIOR IVNTJ EA 15 MIN INDIV
Long Descr Health and behavior intervention, each 15 minutes, face-to-face; individual
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.
2002-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2002.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"