CPT® Code 0361T | Case2Code

Code deleted, see 97151, 97152

Official Description

each additional 30 minutes of technician time, face-to-face with the patient (List separately in addition to code for primary service)

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 0361T refers to the billing for each additional 30 minutes of face-to-face technician time spent with a patient. This service is typically part of an observational behavioral follow-up assessment, which is crucial for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment plans for patients exhibiting maladaptive or destructive behaviors. Such behaviors may include aggression, self-harm, or property destruction, particularly in the context of social or communication deficits. The assessment is generally conducted 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 another qualified healthcare professional, such as a behavioral analyst or licensed psychologist. During the assessment, the technician engages in structured observation or testing to evaluate the patient's adaptive behavior across various domains, including cooperation, expressive speech, requests, social interactions, and motivation. The technician meticulously documents the data collected during these interactions and subsequently reports this information back to the supervising physician or qualified professional. This professional interprets the findings, prepares a comprehensive report, and engages in a feedback discussion with the primary caregivers, offering recommendations based on the assessment results. It is important to note that CPT® Code 0360T is utilized for the initial 30 minutes of face-to-face technician time, while CPT® Code 0361T is specifically designated for each additional 30-minute increment of service provided.

1. Indications

The indications for utilizing CPT® Code 0361T include the following conditions and symptoms that necessitate an observational behavioral follow-up assessment:

Maladaptive Behaviors Patients exhibiting maladaptive behaviors such as aggression, self-harm, or property destruction.
Communication Deficits Individuals with identified social or communication deficits that impact their daily functioning.
Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness Situations where ongoing monitoring of the effectiveness of implemented treatment plans or strategies is required.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the follow-up assessment using CPT® Code 0361T involves several key steps:

Initial Setup The technician prepares for the assessment by reviewing the patient's treatment plan and any previous reports or observations. This preparation ensures that the technician is aware of the specific behaviors to monitor and the goals of the assessment.
Face-to-Face Interaction The technician engages in face-to-face interaction with the patient in a naturalistic setting, such as the home or a caregiver facility. This environment allows for a more accurate observation of the patient's behaviors in real-life situations.
Structured Observation During the assessment, the technician conducts structured observations and may utilize specific testing methods to evaluate the patient's adaptive behaviors. This includes assessing areas such as cooperation, expressive speech, requests, social interactions, and motivation.
Data Collection The technician meticulously documents all observations and data collected during the assessment. This documentation is critical for providing a comprehensive overview of the patient's behavior and progress.
Reporting Findings After the assessment, the technician reports the findings to the supervising physician or qualified healthcare professional. This report includes a summary of the observed behaviors and any relevant data collected during the session.
Feedback and Recommendations The supervising professional interprets the data, prepares a detailed report, and discusses the findings with the primary caregivers. This discussion includes feedback on the patient's progress and recommendations for any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the assessment involves several considerations. The technician's documentation and the subsequent report prepared by the supervising professional serve as a basis for ongoing treatment planning. Caregivers are encouraged to implement any recommendations provided during the feedback discussion to enhance the patient's adaptive behaviors. Additionally, follow-up assessments may be scheduled to continue monitoring the patient's progress and the effectiveness of the treatment strategies in place. It is essential for caregivers to maintain open communication with the supervising professional to address any concerns or changes in the patient's behavior promptly.

Short Descr	OBSERV BEHAV ASSESS ADDL
Medium Descr	OBSERVATIONAL BEHAV ASSESSMENT ADDL 30 MIN
Long Descr	each additional 30 minutes of technician time, face-to-face with the patient (List separately in addition to code for primary service)
Status Code	Carriers Price the Code
Global Days	ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
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	Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS)	M5B - Specialist - psychiatry
MUE	Not applicable/unspecified.