Tele-Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

What is ABA?

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a clinical service that uses evidence-based interventions to produce socially significant behavior changes. ABA techniques can improve quality of life and increase independence by assisting individuals in learning skills across various domains including adaptive behaviors, functional communication, play/leisure, and self-care. Consumers work directly with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst to identify relevant target behaviors and skills, conduct assessments to determine skill levels and variables affecting behaviors, and develop and implement individualized treatment plans. 

ABA Applied via Telehealth 

TeleABA services maintain the primary aspects of assessment, treatment planning, and intervention typically offered via in-person ABA services. Intervention can be delivered directly by the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) if client age and individual characteristics permit. Alternatively, intervention will be caregiver-mediated through real-time virtual guidance by the BCBA. Caregivers will have additional opportunities to participate in 1:1 support sessions with the BCBA.

Assessments Provided via Telehealth 

Sometimes insurance carriers stipulate the specific assessments that need to be conducted 

 Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) 
Consists of the following assessment techniques:
-Indirect (Questionnaires, Rating forms, Interviews)
-Descriptive (observations of behaviors as they occur in the natural environment)
-Functional (specifically structuring environment and contingencies to confirm hypotheses of why behaviors occur)
Criterion Referenced Assessments
-Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP)
-Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills – Revised (ABLLS-R)
-Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS)
-Essential for Living (EFL)
Standardized Assessments
-Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory (PDDBI)
-Vineland-3

ABA Treatment Approval for Insurance

Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (F84.0) is required by most insurance carriers

Insurance process for pre-authorization for assessment & treatment is as follows:

1. Diagnosing provider or physician to provide script for ABA
2. Individual reaches out to clinic and provides script
3. Clinic contacts individual’s insurance carrier for assessment authorization
4. Insurance carrier approves CPT units for assessment
5. Initial assessment is completed and treatment plan is submitted to insurance company with recommended CPT units

6. Insurance company will either approve treatment plan or suggest alternatives to treatment plan/CPT units

 7. Most insurances require client to be between the ages of 0 and 21