2025 ABA CPT Codes Updates: What Every ABA Therapist Should Know?

Feeling overwhelmed by the latest ABA CPT code updates 2025? You are not alone! 

Staying compliant with CPT codes feels like a full-time job in 2025, with the addition of new rules, modifiers, and payer policies. However, having the right guide and tools can alleviate some of these burdens. 

The medical field evolves constantly, and so do CPT codes. They form the backbone of every successful therapy practice, such as insurance reimbursement and compliance. 

ABA therapy providers face major revisions in ABA CPT codes, including the introduction of new codes, the elimination of outdated ones, and the revision of several existing codes. Understanding these changes is essential to improving billing accuracy, maximizing revenue, reducing claim denials, and staying compliant with telehealth regulations. 

This blog will walk you through essential changes, implications, and ways to adapt smoothly, while delivering quality care and reducing billing stress. 

Key Takeaways

• The AMA introduced 270 new codes, removed 112 outdated codes, and revised 38 existing codes in the 2025 CPT update. 
• Seventeen new codes (98000 – 98015) were added specifically for synchronous telemedicine, which covers both audio-video and audio-only visits for new and returning patients. 
• Traditional telephone E/M codes (99441 – 99443) have been deleted; therefore, remote consultations and parent communications should be billed under new 98000-series telehealth codes. 
• Codes 98975 – 98978 have been revised for digital therapeutic interventions and device-driven data transmission to support billing of tech-assisted ABA programs. 
• Around 30% of the new codes are Category III codes for emerging tech, including AI-assisted diagnostics and proprietary lab tests.
• Failing to adopt the new telehealth codes or continuing the use of deleted phone-based codes can result in claim denials, audit risks, and compliance issues. 

2024 vs 2025 CPT Code Comparison

Change Type	2024 CPT Codes	2025 CPT Codes
Telehealth E/M	99441 – 99443 (Deleted)	98000 – 98015 (New)
Virtual Check-Ins	Not defined clearly	90016 (New)
Remote Monitoring	98975 – 98978 (Generic)	98975 – 98978 (Revised for ABA)
AI/Proprietary Tests	Minimal or not classified	30% are Category III (Emerging tech)

A Brief Overview of ABA CPT Codes 2025

Using a standardized system, CPT codes enable ABA providers to analyse and bill for therapeutic services. Losing track of treatments/services provided to patients is common, so ABA CPT codes use common language to document and suggest interventions. 

In 2025, the American Medical Association (AMA) made minor readjustments to ABA CPT codes, such as:

Addition of 270 New Codes:

The addition of 270 new codes is vital for the rapid growth in virtual care, diagnostics, and digital health. Not all codes are ABA-specific; however, they can benefit practices that offer remote services or collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. 

Examples: 

• 98000 – 98015: New telehealth E/M codes supporting audio-video and audio-only sessions. 
• 90016: A virtual check-in code applicable for brief parent or caregiver updates. 
• 98975 – 98978: Expanded Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) codes that capture digital interventions effectively, and are useful for tech-assisted ABA models. 

Removal of 112 Outdated Codes:

The AMA deleted 112 outdated ABA CPT codes, including many that are used in remote care, to improve clarity and avoid unnecessary repetitions. 

Examples: 

• 99441 – 99443: Telephone-based E/M codes are no longer valid for reimbursement. The 98000 series replaces them to reflect today’s telehealth standards well. 
• Revision of 38 Codes for Accuracy:

AMA has revised and modified 38 codes to enhance clarity and ensure that they align with current therapeutic practices. 

Examples: 

• 98975 – 98978: Specifies its usage for digital therapeutic interventions and tracking progress in ABA telehealth or RTM-enabled programs. 
• Refinements in codes related to imaging, anesthesia, and lab testing that intersect with multidisciplinary ABA clinics. 

Overall, there are 420 updates in the CPT 2025 code set – 270 new codes, 112 deletions, and 38 revisions. 

What Should Every Therapist Know About CPT Codes in 2025?

The AMA introduced significant updates to ABA CPT codes that align with modern therapeutic delivery, especially telehealth in behavioral and ABA billing services. These updates go beyond technical changes. They redefine how therapists document care, bill for services, and receive reimbursements.  

1. Telehealth-Friendly Coding is the New Norm: CPT codes like 97151-97158 and 0362T/0373T continue to support telehealth delivery, and provisional telehealth status has extended through 2025, too. Therefore, therapy providers can continue with remote sessions, as long as documentation and platform compliance are up to standard. 
2. Expanded Support for Virtual Sessions: Codes like 98000 – 98015 have been introduced to support both video and audio-only therapy. This ensures all patients, even those with limited tech access, can receive services without reimbursement issues. 
3. Removal of Outdated Codes: Codes like 99441-99443 (telephone E/M) are no longer accepted. They have been replaced by the 980xx series for more accurate remote communication billing. 
4. Higher Focus on Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM): Updated RTM codes (98975 – 98978) now support tracking client progress via digital tools, benefitting parent-led interventions and tech-based therapy models. 
5. Greater Emphasis on Compliance & Accuracy: Using incorrect or outdated CPT codes in 2025 may result in claim denials, compliance issues, or audit flags. Therefore, staying current with updates is essential for smooth operations. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of CPT Code Changes

Changes in ABA CPT codes can bring about a lot of advantages and disadvantages for ABA therapy providers. Although the codes focus on improving accuracy and medical advancements, they have downsides, too. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of CPT code changes include: 

Advantages of CPT Code Changes:

What are They?	How Do They Help?
Improved Billing Accuracy	New CPT codes can document procedures more specifically and enhance clarity in claims.
Enhanced Patient Care	Updated codes bring advancements in technologies and treatments, eventually leading to better patient outcomes.
Optimized Revenue Cycle	Accurate coding makes reimbursement processes efficient while reducing administrative burdens.
Specialized Training Requirements	Multidisciplinary therapists must stay updated and familiar with CPT code changes relevant to their practice fields.
Reduced Medical Errors	Accurate coding helps identify any errors while providing patient care, thus making treatments safer and providing better results.
Effective Compliance	Staying compliant with CPT code changes can help meet payer requirements, hence preventing penalties and audits.

Disadvantages of CPT Code Changes:

What are They?	Why Is It a Challenge?
Complex and Time-Consuming	New CPT codes require learning, implementation, training, and effort, which is complex and time-consuming.
Higher Risk of Denials & Errors	New codes can be confusing initially, and errors might happen, leading to claim denials, financial losses, or audits.
Increased Administrative Burdens	Therapy providers might feel pressured to stay updated constantly with frequent CPT code changes.
Potential for Misinterpretation	New CPT codes can have various interpretations; therefore, even with clear guidelines, billing and reporting can be inconsistent.

How to Transition Smoothly to ABA CPT Code Updates 2025?

Adapting to new ABA CPT codes can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right systems and support, the transition can be smooth and beneficial. However, ABA therapy providers can still transition smoothly to the new CPT codes of 2025 by following these steps: 

1. Understanding and Reviewing the Changes: Get familiar with specific changes in ABA CPT codes, such as new additions, revised definitions, and updated documentation requirements. Contact insurance payers and confirm how they will implement the new codes and specific procedures that should be followed. 
2. Preparing the ABA Therapy Practice for Changes: Ensure your ABA billing services are updated to include new codes. Remove outdated codes to avoid penalties. Revise billing protocols to meet payer-specific requirements. Additionally, TherapyPM can streamline the process and ensure a smooth transition. 
3. Ensuring Compliance: Maintaining thorough documentation of ABA therapy services – session notes, treatment plans, and progress reports. Review your ABA billing practices regularly to identify and correct errors. 
4. Training the Staff: Conduct regular training sessions to ensure your billing team and staff know about new codes, documentation standards, and billing procedures. Run simulations with the new CPT codes to identify workflow gaps. 

How Can TherapyPM Help Track 2025 ABA CPT Code Updates?

TherapyPM is an all-in-one software that streamlines daily administrative tasks, including complex billing processes for ABA therapists. Especially during major CPT code transitions such as the 2025 update, the software can handle it.  

Here’s how TherapyPM can support your ABA therapy practice: 

• Real-Time Code Library Updates: TherapyPM integrates the latest CPT code changes into your ABA billing system directly; therefore, it doesn’t require adding or removing codes manually. 
• Built-In Alerts & Notifications: Stay updated with the latest coding guidelines or payer requirements using automated alerts. 
• Customizable Templates: Update treatment and billing templates quickly to reflect new codes, minimizing administrative burden and billing errors. 
• Seamless Payer Sync: TherapyPM syncs with insurer requirements and reduces claim denials caused by outdated or incorrect codes. 
• Support & Training Resources: TherapyPM offers training modules and support documentation that can help staff use new ABA CPT codes effectively. 

TherapyPM vs. Other ABA Billing Tools: CPT Code Support 

Feature	TherapyPM	Other Tools
Real-Time Code Library	Yes (Automated Updates)	Other Manual
Alerts & Notifications	Yes (Built-In)	Not always included
Custom Templates	Yes (Quick Updates)	Varies
Payer Sync	Seamless payer rule syncing	May require manual adjustments
Support & Training	Dedicated ABA-focused training	Generic/limited

Conclusion

The AMA’s 2025 ABA CPT code updates 2025 are essential in adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape, especially with the shift towards digital and remote care. While these changes may seem daunting, staying informed and equipped can ease the transition. 

TherapyPM empowers ABA providers to manage the shift confidently, offering tools for streamlined billing, up-to-date compliance, and reduced admin load. Embrace the change as an opportunity to refine your practice, enhance patient care, and strengthen your revenue cycle. Try TherapyPM with a 30-day free trial and experience smoother ABA billing today!