Attention ABA providers:
TRICARE is announcing an exception to policy regarding the use of Telehealth (TH) capabilities for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services specifically during this COVID-19 pandemic.
During effective dates of March 31, 2020 through May 31, 2020, (“emergency period”), TRICARE is permitting the unlimited use of only CPT code 97156 Parent/ Caregiver Guidance when synchronous telehealth services are used for beneficiaries with a current active authorization. DHA will provide additional guidance should the emergency period extend past May 31, 2020.
Additionally, providers should anticipate longer processing and payment times for claims as this policy exception is being implemented.
The implementation date for this change is March 31, 2020 and the effective date is March 31, 2020.
FAQs are available at Health.mil/autism