CPT® Code 97152

Behavior identification-supporting assessment, administered by one technician under the direction of a physician or other qualified health care professional, face-to-face with the patient, each 15 minutes

A behavior identification-supporting assessment is a specialized evaluation conducted to identify and support the understanding of specific behaviors that may be deficient or maladaptive. This assessment is performed by a behavior technician who operates under the direction of a physician or another qualified healthcare professional. The technician engages with the patient in a face-to-face setting, which can occur in various environments, including clinical or community settings. The primary goal of this assessment is to observe and document occurrences of particular behaviors that may hinder social interactions or communication, or that may manifest as repetitive, harmful, or stereotypic actions. During the assessment, the technician utilizes structured observation techniques and may administer both standardized and non-standardized assessment tools. These tools are designed to gather comprehensive data regarding the target behavior. Additionally, a functional behavior assessment may be conducted to identify the environmental factors that trigger or follow the behavior in question. This involves analyzing the context in which the behavior occurs to better understand its antecedents and consequences. Furthermore, a functional analysis may be performed to systematically evaluate the impact of different environmental events on the behavior by manipulating these variables in controlled situations. The results of the assessment are interpreted by the supervising physician or qualified professional, ensuring that the findings are clinically relevant and actionable. The service is billed in increments of 15 minutes of direct interaction between the technician and the patient, reflecting the time dedicated to this critical evaluative process.