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Code deleted, see 97151, 97152

Official Description

Observational behavioral follow-up assessment, includes physician or other qualified health care professional direction with interpretation and report, administered by one technician; first 30 minutes of technician time, face-to-face with the patient

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

An observational behavioral follow-up assessment is a structured evaluation conducted to monitor and assess a patient's behavior, particularly focusing on maladaptive or destructive behaviors such as aggression, self-harm, or property destruction. This assessment is typically performed in the patient's home or in a caregiver facility, such as a daycare or school, by a technician who has been trained by a physician or other qualified health care professional, which may include a behavioral analyst or licensed psychologist. The primary goal of this assessment is to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment plan or strategies that have been implemented to address the patient's specific behavioral issues. During the assessment, the technician engages in structured observation or testing to gauge the patient's level of adaptive behavior in various areas, including cooperation, expressive speech, requests, social interactions, and motivation. The technician meticulously documents the data collected during this face-to-face interaction with the patient and subsequently reports the findings to the supervising physician or qualified health care professional. This professional interprets the information gathered, prepares a comprehensive report, and engages in a feedback discussion with the primary caregiver(s), offering recommendations based on the assessment results. The CPT® Code 0360T is specifically designated for billing the first 30 minutes of technician time spent directly with the patient, while code 0361T is utilized for each additional 30 minutes of face-to-face technician time.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The observational behavioral follow-up assessment is indicated for patients exhibiting specifically identified maladaptive or destructive behaviors. These behaviors may include:

  • Aggression - Behaviors that may involve physical or verbal hostility towards others.
  • Self-harm - Actions that result in injury to oneself, which may require monitoring and intervention.
  • Property destruction - Behaviors that involve damaging or destroying property, indicating a need for behavioral assessment and management.
  • Social or communication deficits - Challenges in social interactions or communication that may contribute to maladaptive behaviors.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting an observational behavioral follow-up assessment involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Preparation - Prior to the assessment, the technician reviews the patient's treatment plan and any previous assessments to understand the specific behaviors that need to be monitored. This preparation ensures that the technician is equipped with the necessary context to conduct an effective assessment.
  • Step 2: Face-to-Face Interaction - The technician engages in a face-to-face interaction with the patient for the first 30 minutes. During this time, the technician observes the patient's behavior in a natural setting, such as their home or school, to gather real-time data on their interactions and responses.
  • Step 3: Structured Observation - The technician conducts structured observations or testing, focusing on key areas of adaptive behavior, including cooperation, expressive speech, requests, social interactions, and motivation. This structured approach allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's behavior.
  • Step 4: Documentation - Throughout the assessment, the technician meticulously documents all observations and data collected. This documentation is crucial for providing a clear record of the patient's behavior and the effectiveness of the treatment strategies in place.
  • Step 5: Reporting - After the assessment, the technician compiles the findings and reports them to the supervising physician or qualified health care professional. This report includes an interpretation of the data and any notable observations made during the assessment.
  • Step 6: Feedback Discussion - The physician or qualified health care professional reviews the report and engages in a feedback discussion with the primary caregiver(s). This discussion includes recommendations based on the assessment results, aimed at improving the patient's treatment plan and addressing any ongoing behavioral concerns.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the observational behavioral follow-up assessment involves several considerations. The technician's documentation and the physician's report serve as a foundation for ongoing treatment planning. Caregivers are encouraged to implement any recommendations provided during the feedback discussion to enhance the patient's behavioral management strategies. Additionally, follow-up assessments may be scheduled as needed to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Continuous communication between the technician, physician, and caregivers is essential to ensure that the patient receives the most effective support and intervention for their behavioral challenges.

Short Descr OBSERV BEHAV ASSESSMENT
Medium Descr OBSERVATIONAL BEHAV ASSESSMENT FIRST 30 MIN
Long Descr Observational behavioral follow-up assessment, includes physician or other qualified health care professional direction with interpretation and report, administered by one technician; first 30 minutes of technician time, face-to-face with the patient
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days YYY - Carrier Determines Whether Global Concept Applies
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) M5B - Specialist - psychiatry
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
Date
Action
Notes
2019-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 97151, 97152
2015-01-01 Added Added
2014-07-01 Added Added
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Description
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Description
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