The ABA Billing Checklist: What You Need Before Submitting a Claim

If you've ever had a claim denied for something that felt avoidable, you're not alone. ABA billing can feel like a never-ending cycle of paperwork, payer rules, and "Was this modifier correct?" moments. But here's the truth: clean claims get paid faster and they keep your revenue cycle moving.

Before your team hits "submit," make sure you're checking off every box that matters. Here's the ultimate ABA billing checklist to reduce denials, streamline reimbursements, and get you paid without the headache.

Your Pre-Submission ABA Billing Checklist

1. Verify Authorization Details

• Is there an active authorization on file?

• Are you billing within the approved start and end dates?

• Is the CPT code you're billing approved under this auth?

2. Confirm Service Documentation Is Complete

• Session notes are signed and dated?

• Duration and start/end times are clearly documented?

• Provider credentials are noted correctly?

3. Double-Check CPT Codes & Modifiers

• Correct code for the service delivered?

• Modifier requirements match the payer’s expectations?

• Are units and time calculations accurate?

4. Review Payer-Specific Rules

• Any special requirements for this insurance plan?

• Prior authorizations, place of service codes, or diagnosis codes?

• Does this payer require session summaries or additional attachments?

5. Confirm Provider & Client Info

• NPI and Tax ID submitted correctly?

• Client DOB, insurance ID, and name match exactly?

• Are all required demographics present?

6. Confirm Timely Filing Window

• Are you submitting within the payer's deadline?

• Do you track timely filing limits by payer internally?

Bonus Tip: Track Denials & Learn From Them

Even with the best checklist, some claims will come back. Keep a denial log, review common patterns, and adjust your internal process before it becomes a recurring issue.

What Happens When You Skip the Checklist?

ABA billing is full of tiny technicalities and skipping just one step can create a ripple effect. Common issues we see when providers skip pre-checks include:

• Claims denied for mismatched codes and modifiers

• Services provided without valid authorization

• Late filings due to documentation delays

• Increased staff burnout from repeated follow-ups

Implementing a checklist not only improves your billing outcomes, it protects your business.

Want Billing That Actually Flows?

At Ārohana Support, we help ABA and pediatric therapy companies build efficient, accurate billing systems that get results. From full-service RCM to denial management and overflow support, our team knows the ins and outs of every box on this list so you don’t have to.

Learn more about our ABA billing services