Autism Care Demonstration: Frequently Asked Questions

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) published changes to the Autism Care Demonstration (ACD) in 2021.

Please visit www.health.mil/autism to review DHA's comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (click "open" to view the pdf):

If you have questions specific to TRICARE policy, please email DHA at dha.acd@mail.mil.

Find additional details, including information specific to the TRICARE West Region, in our Frequently Asked Questions section below.

General

Q: What is an Autism Corporate Services Provider?
A: The DHA refers to applied behavior analysis (ABA) centers, groups and clinics as Autism Corporate Services Providers, or ACSPs. ACSPs frequently have contractual agreements with ABA supervisors, and assistant behavior analysts and behavior technicians (BTs) who operate under supervision.

Q: What is a sole applied behavior analysis provider?
A: A sole ABA provider is an ABA supervisor (Board Certified Behavior Analyst^® [BCBA^®], Board Certification Behavior Analyst – Doctoral^® [BCBA-D^®] or state-licensed/certified ABA provider) who runs an individual practice and delivers direct 1:1 services.

Q: What are the new provider requirements under the Autism Care Demonstration?
A: Some of the new requirements include:

Participation agreements: All ACSPs/sole ABA providers must have re-signed ABA participation agreements on file with Health Net Federal Services, LLC (HNFS). "See Provider Participation Agreement" below.
Electronic funds transfer (EFT). TRICARE requires all ABA claims be reimbursed via EFT. See "Reimbursement" below.
Parent training: Providers must initiate parent training within 30 days of the treatment authorization. Providers also must conduct a minimum of six parent training sessions per authorization period.
Program modification: ABA supervisors must render a minimum of one direct visit per month for Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®) code 97155 services or a 10% penalty will be applied to all claims for the authorization period.
Provider training: Providers must participate in an annual online provider training. See "Provider Education and Training" below.
Provider rankings and steerage: HNFS' steerage model ranks ABA providers according to access-to-care standards and other quality measures that positively impact TRICARE beneficiaries. ABA providers who rank highest in the steerage model will be given priority placement in HNFS’ Network Provider Directory and referral assignments. See "Provider Steerage" below.

Please review our ACD Implementation Timeline for additional requirements and dates. We encourage you to review the complete TRICARE Operations Manual, Chapter 18, Section 4 revision, available at https://manuals.health.mil.

Provider Participation Agreement

Q: Why were existing providers asked to sign new Autism Care Demonstration Participation Agreements (or amendments to Agreements)?
A: Per guidelines outlined in the TRICARE Operations Manual, Chapter 18, Section 4, ACSPs and sole ABA providers must sign new ACD Participation Agreements.

Q: What is the process for signing participation agreements?
A: Network providers are asked to sign and return the participation agreement to:

HNFS Provider Management
P.O. Box 9410
Virginia Beach, VA 23450-9410

Non-network providers are asked to sign and return non-network participation agreements to:

TRICARE West
Provider Data Management
P.O. Box 202106
Florence, SC 29502-2106

Fax: 1-844-730-1373

Q: What if I do not sign a new Autism Care Demonstration Participation Agreement?
A: If you do not sign an ACD Participation Agreement, you cannot be a participating provider for the ACD.

Q. I am an East Region provider. Why did I receive a letter from Health Net Federal Services?
A. HNFS mailed notices containing TRICARE West Region ACD Participation Agreements to some East Region providers. In order to be reimbursed for services provided to a TRICARE West beneficiary, you must have a TRICARE West Participation Agreement on file. If you are an East Region provider who will not be treating TRICARE West beneficiaries, you may ignore the communication. However, if you believe you may treat a TRICARE West beneficiary in the future, you must sign and return the materials.

Q: Why are providers being asked to submit liability insurance?
A: Unless state requirements specify greater amounts, ACSPs and sole ABA providers must continue to submit proof of liability insurance in the amounts of $1 million per occurrence and $3 million in aggregate. The policies must be in the ACSP’s or sole ABA provider’s name.

Q: Where do network providers send copies of insurance policies?
A: Network providers will return insurance policy information to the HNFS point of contact listed in HNFS' email communication to the ACSP or sole ABA provider.

Q: Do non-network providers have to re-sign non-network applications and submit insurance policy information?
A: Yes. PGBA, our claims processing partner, is reaching out to non-network providers separately. Non-network application information is also available at www.tricare-west.com.

Q: Will a copy of the signed participation agreement be returned to network and non-network providers?
A: Upon receipt of your signed contract/agreement materials, HNFS will execute the Provider Participation Agreement and provide you with a signed copy for your records within 30 days.

Q: Regarding provider participation requirements, is the initial term period of two years negotiable? We typically like to have one-year terms that renew yearly unless one party terminates.
A: HNFS’ provider participation agreements are evergreen, meaning that they don’t expire. However, provider participation agreements are ‘at will’ and providers are free to terminate after one year if they choose.

Q: Our company has grown since we originally signed our participation agreement. Do we need to do anything?
A: Providers should submit an updated TRICARE Provider Roster anytime a provider is added or terminated from the group or when there is a change to demographics or credentialing information. Updated provider rosters can be submitted to HNFS_ABARosters@hnfs.com.

Provider Credentialing and Certification Requirements

Q: Regarding behavior technicians, does the state license suffice (Behavior Analyst Interventionist) or is the national Registered Behavior Technician certification required?
A: BTs must hold one of the following prior to applying for TRICARE-authorized provider status:

Current Registered Behavior Technician^® (RBT^®),
Applied Behavior Analysis Technician^® (ABAT^®),
Board Certified Autism Technician (BCAT) certification, or
State certification (required if state certification is available).

Q: Am I required to submit a copy of my Basic Life Support/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification to HNFS?
A: Yes. HNFS must collect copies of Basic Life Support (BLS)/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification from ABA providers. Submit these with your roster submission for all new ABA providers. We will request copies for existing providers during the recredentialing/recertification process if not already on file. Note: Groups adding new BTs must submit copies of the BLS/CPR certification with the updated roster in order for HNFS to meet the required 10-day turnaround for BT certification.

Q: Will HNFS accept Basic Life Support/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification only from certain certifying bodies? And if so, which ones?
A: HNFS will accept BLS/CPR certification from any certifying body that meets the requirements listed in TRICARE Operations Manual Chapter 18, Section 4 as follows:

Complete the training for BLS or a CPR-equivalent certification, as demonstrated by completion of a hybrid course comprised of a web-based instruction component and live component to demonstrate skills on a dummy. Any entirely, in-person course is also acceptable. The certification must be maintained and current.

Q: Am I required to submit a copy of my criminal history background check to HNFS?
A: Yes. HNFS must collect copies of criminal history background checks from ABA providers. Submit these with your roster submission for all new ABA providers. We will request copies for existing providers during the recredentialing/recertification process if not already on file. Note: Groups adding new BTs must submit copies of the criminal history background check with the updated roster in order for HNFS to meet the required 10-day turnaround for BT certification.

Q. Will the contractor perform the criminal background check or do we pay for the background check and send the contractor a copy with the application?
A: HNFS collects copies of criminal history background checks from ABA providers. Submit these with your roster submission for all new ABA providers. We will request copies for existing providers during the recredentialing/recertification process if not already on file. Please note, HNFS runs the background checks for all sole providers.

Q: We currently use a background company of our choice for background checks. Is this acceptable?
A: Providers can use the background check company of their choice, as long as it fulfills the background check requirements outlined in the TRICARE Operations Manual, Chapter 18, Section 4. This includes, but is not limited to, the requirement that criminal history background checks of ABA supervisors, assistant behavior analysts and BTs must include current federal, state and county criminal and sex offender reports for all locations the ABA supervisor, assistant behavior analyst or BT has worked or resided in over the past 10 years.

Q: How often should the background check be completed?
A: Copies of background checks are required during initial credentialing for ABA supervisors and assistant behavior analysts, and initial certification for behavior technicians. For existing ABA providers, HNFS will collect a copy of the background check during recredentialing/recertification if not already on file.

Q: Is there a maximum timeframe between the initial run of the background check and when it's submitted (i.e., completed within 45 days of submission)? Is a background check run at the time of hire acceptable?
A: Submission of background check results run at the time of hire are considered current. Provider groups are responsible to continuously monitor their providers after the initial criminal history background check is run and report to the contractor any change in a provider's status that disqualifies the provider from participating in ACD program.

Q: Will there be a section added to the online applied behavior analysis application for providers to attach a copies of Basic Life Support/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification and criminal history background checks?
A: No. For ABA supervisors and assistant behavior analysts, submit copies of current BLS/CPR certification and criminal history background check documents with your roster submission or during the recredentialing process if not already on file.

For BTs, HNFS doesn’t offer an online certification application. ABA providers must include with their roster submission copies of current BLS/CPR certification and current federal, state and county criminal and sex offender reports for each new BT on the roster. All required documentation for each new BT must be in place before the roster can be accepted.

Q: Will we submit provider rosters for credentialing?
A: Yes, you will submit rosters for all additions, changes and updates for your providers. Please see our ABA Provider Roster page for details.

Q: How do we submit license renewal information to Health Net Federal Services?
A: HNFS is required to primary source verify license and certification information. We will work directly with the boards to obtain updated license/certification information and will only reach out to providers if we find that their license/certification has expired.

ABA Services in Community Settings

Q: What is considered a community setting under the Autism Care Demonstration?
A: Community settings are any location not part of a home, outpatient ABA center or clinic, or school setting. Community settings include grocery stores, parks, restaurants, and events such as youth sports or local community activities. Community settings also include medical offices (e.g., doctor visits, physical therapy, etc.). Learn more on our ABA Service Locations page.

Q: What community settings are not eligible for applied behavior analysis services?
A: ABA services rendered in medical offices (e.g., doctor visits, physical therapy, etc.) remain excluded. Additionally, specific exclusions apply to sporting events, camps and medical offices for beneficiaries and family members. These community settings and activities generally do not allow for the frequent and repeated presentation of treatment opportunities specific to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition's (DSM-5’s) autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnostic criteria. In addition, community settings address daily living and vocational skills, such as traveling in a vehicle, which are not eligible under the ACD and are excluded from treatment plans. Services rendered in excluded community settings are not reimbursable.

Q: Are there any community settings locations eligible for applied behavior analysis services?
A: HNFS will make specific coverage determinations for ABA services in community settings (to include provider types, units, etc.) during the clinical necessity review process.

Possible situations in which use of a particular community setting may be approved include:

When a beneficiary presents with substantial levels of impairment in the core symptoms of ASD and/or severe behavior excesses.
On a limited basis, for social and communication generalization opportunities that would not be possible in the home or center/clinic setting when behavior excesses are significant.

When requesting approval for treatment in a community setting, keep in mind the setting must directly coincide with treatment related to the DSM-5 descriptions of ASD. For example, if a parent reports significant behavior excess that prevents a beneficiary from engaging in a community setting, the provider may request to use that community setting for behavior intervention and parent training specific to these needs.

Family/caregiver support is critical for beneficiaries generalizing mastered skills into community settings. Family members who are targeting new skills in the community setting should refer to parent training and parent training goals for guidance, as well as feedback and direction from the ABA supervisor or assistant behavior analyst.

Q: If authorized by Health Net Federal Services, which provider types will be approved to render applied behavior analysis services in a community setting?
A: HNFS will make specific coverage determinations (regarding provider types, units, etc.) during the clinical necessity review process.

Q: Are daycare settings or after-school care settings approved community settings?
A: Yes, daycare or after-school care settings can be approved community settings if deemed clinically necessary to provide the requested ABA services. The ABA provider must provide active delivery of ABA treatment and must not function as a support aide or observer during care routines or activities (e.g., lunch, group activities, arts and crafts). The use of these settings must be described in the treatment plan including why a home or ABA center/clinic location is not available and how caregivers are incorporated.

Q: If academic/educational services are performed in a community setting (such as an outdoor, hands-on activity day facilitated by the school but hosted in the community setting), can applied behavior analysis services be rendered?
A: No. Academic/educational goals are excluded in all settings, including the community setting. ABA providers, when prior authorized to render ABA services in the community setting, are still excluded from targeting educational, academic or vocational areas.

ABA Services in School Settings

Q: Can you define school settings?
A: The definition of “school” includes preschool, public school and private school settings. Learn more on our ABA Service Locations page.

Q: Are daycare centers/child development centers/after school programs considered school locations?
A: Daycare centers/child development centers/after-school programs are not considered academic/school settings and, therefore, may be permitted if clinically appropriate. ABA services in daycare centers/child development centers/after-school programs must be delivered 1:1 and only target interventions for the core symptoms of ASD. Treatment plans with goals targeting academic/educational skills, or BTs functioning as a “support” in any setting will not be approved. All exclusions as identified in the ACD under TRICARE Operations Manual, Section 18, Chapter 4, apply.

Q: Please expand on what applied behavior analysis supervisor services in the school setting include?
A: Contractors may only authorize ABA supervisors to provide active delivery of ABA services in the school setting under CPT 97153 that are targeted to the core symptoms of ASD. These approved ABA services are focused, time-limited, and are in accordance with the requirements of the ACD. All exclusions as identified in the ACD under TRICARE Operations Manual, Section 18, Chapter 4, apply.

Q: If the school is in the home environment, can applied behavior analysis services be rendered during the day when “school” is not in session?
A: For a beneficiary who is enrolled in home-schooling, authorized ABA services must be rendered outside of home-schooling hours. Educational/academic goals are excluded, and ABA is not a replacement for academic needs and/or related areas. Home-schooling hours cannot overlap ABA services. All exclusions as identified in the ACD under TRICARE Operations Manual, Section 18, Chapter 4, apply.

Outcome Measures

Q: What outcome measures are required for treatment authorization?
A: TRICARE requires scores for the following outcome measures to be submitted for existing and new beneficiaries participating in the ACD based on their age:

Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory (PDDBI),
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (Vineland-3),
Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2), and
Parenting Stress Index, Fourth Edition Short Form (PSI-4-SF) or Stress Index for Parents of Adolescents (SIPA).

The Vineland-3 and SRS-2 are required to be completed prior to the start of treatment and annually. The PSI-4-SF or SIPA is required to be completed prior to the start of treatment and every six months. The Parent PDDBI form is required to be completed prior to the start of treatment and every six months and the Teacher PDDBI from (to be completed by the treating ABA supervisor only) is required every six months.

The name of the person completing all outcome measures and their relationship to the beneficiary is required on all forms. Additionally, providers must submit the full publisher print report. If hand scoring, you must include full calculations and related documents. Outcome measure results included in treatment plans do NOT meet this requirement.

Learn more on our Outcome Measures page.

Q: Why wasn’t I authorized to complete all of the required outcome measures for my patient?
A: While the treating ABA supervisor is required to administer the PDDBI, HNFS may proactively authorize existing beneficiaries to other ABA providers with the ability to complete all additional ABA outcome measures (Vineland-3, SRS-2, PSI-4-SF/SIPA) in order to meet access-to-care standards.

Q: I prefer to administer the outcome measures for my patient; however, Health Net Federal Services authorized them to another provider. What can I do?
A: Note that the treating ABA supervisor is required to administer the PDDBI. Treating ABA supervisors who prefer to complete all additional ABA outcome measures (Vineland-3, SRS-2, PSI-4-SF/SIPA) for their existing TRICARE patients can submit a request for authorization through a treatment plan update. If HNFS has already authorized a beneficiary to another ABA provider, the treating ABA supervisor may submit an authorization request through the treatment plan at the next reassessment renewal period.

Q: I don’t have experience administering outcome measures; what can I do?
A: ABA providers who do not have the ability or expertise to render the Vineland-3, SRS-2 and PSI-4-SF/SIPA can defer to HNFS to authorize existing beneficiaries to other ABA providers with the ability to complete all additional ABA outcome measures (Vineland-3, SRS-2, PSI-4-SF/SIPA).

Q: How are the Parenting Stress Index, Fourth Edition Short Form and Stress Index for Parents of Adolescents outcome measures used?
A: The PSI-4-SF and SIPA are standardized, reliable measures of stress and family dynamics that help to identify where additional support resources may benefit both the family and the beneficiary. The PSI-4-SF and the SIPA stress indexes and scores are not factors for treatment planning or coverage determination. They are not intended to diagnose dysfunction in the parent/adolescent relationship or as screening tools for parental mental health.

During a clinical necessity review, high stress index scores in either the PSI-4-SF or the SIPA will prompt the clinical reviewer (BCBA/BCBA-D) to evaluate parent training recommendations, parent engagement and unique circumstances (e.g., spouse recently deployed, medical/surgical procedures, death in family, etc.) to identify additional support services (i.e., case management) that may benefit the family.

After the coverage determination is complete, the clinical reviewer will contact the family to offer identified additional support resources. ABA providers are not expected to directly address stress or child/parent relationship dynamics in treatment planning; however, HNFS may request additional information from ABA providers about parent training and program engagement to better understand contributing ABA program factors.

Q: I have concerns that submitting the outcome measure results will violate my user agreement with the psychometric testing agency. Please advise.
A: Submitting outcome measure scores does not violate any acceptable use agreements. Across the industry, a patient’s medical record acts as a tool to validate rendered services and the outcome measure results are a part of the patient’s medical record. Therefore, sharing part or all of the report is not a violation of acceptable use. Upon receipt, HNFS verifies scores are complete and valid (i.e., scores fall within the publisher limits, as applicable) and our qualified BCBA/BCBA-D clinical reviewers:

Evaluate the outcome measure scores submitted for the PDDBI, Vineland-3 and SRS-2 as part of the clinical review process and complete a clinical consultation with the ABA supervisor, as needed, to discuss changes in the scores over time.
Use PSI-4-SF/SIPA scores to evaluate for additional supports (i.e., case management) that may benefit the family.

Diagnostic Requirements

Q: Where can a provider find the Defense Health Agency-approved Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Diagnostic Checklist?

A: The DHA-approved DSM-5 Diagnostic Checklist can be found here. Only referring providers can complete this form. Treating ABA providers are not permitted to complete the DSM-5 Diagnostic Checklist.

Autism Services Navigators

Q: How will families know who their assigned Autism Services Navigator is?
A: HNFS will assign Autism Services Navigators (ASNs) to eligible beneficiaries within three business days of enrollment into the ACD. Beneficiaries will be sent a written communication containing their ASN’s name and contact information to the mailing address listed in their profile and will also be able to view this information from their secure inbox on our website.

Q: How and when will providers know who is the beneficiary’s assigned Autism Services Navigator?
A: As a courtesy, once the ASN is assigned, providers will be sent a written communication containing their patient’s ASN name and contact information.

Q: Can the Autism Services Navigator perform the outcome measures?
A: No. Outcome measures must be performed by TRICARE-authorized ASD-diagnosing providers or, when authorized by HNFS, ABA supervisors (BCBAs or BCBA-Ds). The ASN's role with outcome measures is to incorporate the results into the beneficiary’s comprehensive care plan.

Q: Are authorization requests submitted to the Autism Services Navigator?
A: No. All referral and authorization requests are to be submitted directly to HNFS. Civilian providers submit referral and authorization requests through one of two online authorization tools: CareAffiliate (preferred) or the Web Authorization Referral Form (WARF). Military hospitals and clinics submit referrals and authorizations through MHS Genesis.

Q: If the family is not doing their part, how will the provider be notified (especially if services need to be paused)?
A: The role of the ASN includes helping families meet ACD requirements and remain eligible for the services available through the ACD. If these requirements are not met and HNFS is unable to authorize services, providers will be notified via our determination letter (faxed and viewable through our secure portal).

Billing

Existing ACD beneficiaries are not eligible for these codes until their next authorization period. Requests submitted prior will be cancelled. Please visit our ABA Claims and Billing page for details, limitations and definitions.

Q. Why do I have to put session times on claims in military time format?
A: Our claims systems allow for automated reading of required session times. To ensure your claims don’t reject, use the “HHMM” military time format.

Q. Why am I no longer allowed to submit applied behavior analysis claims with combined services on one line and/or with combined time stamps?
A. Per the TRICARE Operations Manual, Chapter 11, Section 4, every session of ABA services must be identified as its own unique line on claims submitted. To ensure your claims don’t reject when billing for multiple services rendered on the same day by the same rendering provider, you must separate out sessions, even if the CPT code is the same.

Q: Can applied behavior analysis supervisors still bill Current Procedural Terminology code 97153 in school and preschool settings?
A: Yes, if HNFS authorized the CPT 97153 services. Please note: For new or renewing authorizations approved on or after May 1, 2021, HNFS will only authorize CPT 97153 services when clinically appropriate in a school setting to the authorized ABA supervisor.

Q: Can assistant behavior analysts submit claims for Current Procedural Terminology code 97151?
A: Assistant behavior analysts may be listed as the rendering provider for CPT 97151 services for assessments and reassessment when delegated by the ABA supervisor. This role (for assessments and reassessments) can continue to be delegated when clinically appropriate under 97151. Authorizations must have the PDDBI billed under 97151, and the PDDBI Teacher Form must be completed by the ABA supervisor. For the specific task of completing the PDDBI Teacher Form, the assistant behavior analyst cannot be the rendering provider. The ABA supervisor may not delegate the completion of the PDDBI Teacher Form.

Q: The beneficiary will be unavailable for services the entire month; therefore, no Current Procedural Terminology code 97153 or 97155 services will be rendered. Will the 10% penalty for not rendering Current Procedural Terminology code 97155 that month still apply?
A: The 10% penalty for CPT 97155 may be waived if no CPT 97153 services were rendered within the calendar month. There is no action required by the ABA provider.

Q: Can assistant behavior analysts bill for parent training under Current Procedural Terminology code 97156?
A: No. Per TRICARE ACD policy for all ABA CPT codes, assistant behavior analysts and behavior technicians may not bill for any ABA services as they are not independent providers according to their certification. However, assistant behavior analysts can render CPT 97156.

Note: For all ABA CPT codes, the billing provider is the authorized ABA supervisor, and the rendering provider (Box 24 of the claim form) is the provider who actually performed the service.

Reimbursement

Q: Will network contracted rates change?
A: No. All ABA providers are paid the lesser of 100% of the TRICARE Maximum Allowable Charge or 100% of billed charges.

Q: Where can I find current applied behavior analysis reimbursement rates?
A: Find current ABA rates at www.health.mil/rates.

Q: The applied behavior analysis Maximum Allowed Amounts Schedule from TRICARE’s website indicates the licensure levels as: Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral and Assistant Behavior Analyst. What is TRICARE’s definition of “Assistant” as it relates to the rates?
A: Assistant behavior analysts must:

Have a bachelor’s degree or above in a qualifying field as defined by the state licensure/certification where defined or in the absence of state licensure/certification, a degree in a field accepted by a certification body approved by the Director, DHA.
Have a current:
- Unrestricted state-issued license or state certification if in a state that offers state licensure or state certification; or
- Certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board^® (BACB^®) or the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA^®).

Q: TRICARE requires all applied behavior analysis claims be reimbursed via electronic funds transfer. How do I set up electronic funds transfer?
A: HNFS is required to reimburse ACSPs and sole ABA providers for ACD services via EFT. If you are an ACSP or sole ABA provider who has not yet signed up for EFT, visit our EFT/ERA page to get started. Registering for EFT requires having signature authority, meaning you are authorized to disburse funds, sign checks and add, modify or terminate bank account information. New enrollments can take up to 45 days to process once all information is received. Please visit our Claims Submission page for more information.

Q: Will I need a National Provider Identifier to bill for services?
A: Yes. All providers, including BTs, must have a National Provider Identifier (NPI) in order to bill for services under the ACD. The NPI on the claim determines where we will send payment.

Q: How can I apply for a National Provider Identifier?
A: NPIs are generated by a system called the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) and issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Learn more at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov.

Quality Monitoring and Oversight

Q: Can another applied behavior analysis supervisor (Board Certified Behavior Analyst or Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral) deliver Current Procedural Terminology code 97155 in a given month instead of the primary applied behavior analysis supervisor? For example, the primary Board Certified Behavior Analyst is out for the month or takes time off for a period during the month.
A: While it is preferable for the responsible ABA supervisor to render the direct minimum requirement for CPT 97155, HNFS allows any TRICARE-authorized, ACD-approved ABA supervisor in the ACSP provider group to meet this requirement to account for time off and other issues.

Q: If there were no Current Procedural Terminology code 97153 services rendered within a calendar month, can it be assumed the direct minimum requirement for Current Procedural Terminology code 97155 will be waived?
A: Yes; if no CPT 97153 services are rendered within a calendar month, the CPT 97155 minimum requirement is waived and a claims penalty would not apply.

Provider Education and Training

Q: When will the required provider training be available? Will it be virtual or in-person?
A: The ACD Annual Provider Training is an online module available as of Jan. 1, 2022 (A .pdf version is also available for those with internet accessibility issues). We will notify ACSPs and sole ABA providers in advance of the online training requirement.

Q: How often will the training be offered?
A: HNFS' online trianing module is available for providers to access 24/7. Visit our Annual Provider Training page for details.

Q: How long will the training take?
A: Expect the training to last between one and two hours. Completion time will vary based on the individual.

Q: Will all ABA providers have to take the training?
A: All ACSPs (group owners) and sole ABA providers must take the annual training. While not required for all of an ACSP’s employed or contracted providers (for example, behavior analysts, assistant behavior analysts, BTs), all ACSPs and sole ABA providers should distribute the information to their staff.

Q: Where can I sign up?
A: We will notify providers of their training requirement, how to access it and the due date. You can also visit our Annual Provider Training page.

Q: How long do we have to complete the training, and what happens if we do not comply?
A: HNFS will assign the annual training to existing ACSPs and sole ABA providers in January each year, and to new providers within 90 days of joining the network. You will have 90 days to complete the training once assigned. On day 91, providers who have not completed the training are subject to a 10% penalty on all claims. Non-compliant providers can remedy this penalty by completing the training.

Provider Steerage Model

Q: A new component of the Autism Care Demonstration is a steerage model for assigning providers. How will this work?
A: Effective Jan. 1, 2022, each provider in HNFS’ ACD provider network will receive a quality rating based on two predetermined quality measures. One measure is tied to access-to-care standards; the second measure tracks the average number of days from the initial authorization to the first parent training session. Providers with high quality ratings will receive priority placement in our Network Provider Directory and referral assignments. The steerage model allows us to connect beneficiaries with the highest quality of providers and to incentivize providers to adhere to quality standards. We will provide additional details once the two quality measures have been finalized.

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