# ABA authorization calculator

> How do I track authorized ABA units against what I've delivered?

To track an ABA authorization, compare two fractions each week: how much of the period has elapsed versus how much of the authorized units you have delivered. Delivering ahead of pace means the units run out early; behind pace means approved care goes undelivered. This calculator does the projection in one pass and tells you when to start the reauthorization request.

Source page: https://operation-optimize.com/tools/aba-authorization-calculator
Publisher: Operation Optimize (ABA Team Intelligence)
Last verified against published sources: 2026-09-23

## How it is calculated

- Enter the authorization exactly as the approval letter states it — in units or in hours. Most ABA billing codes are 15-minute units, so 4 units equal one hour; the calculator converts for you.
- The pace check divides elapsed days by total period days, then compares that against the fraction of authorized units already delivered. A gap of more than about ten percentage points in either direction is worth acting on.
- The projection assumes your current daily delivery pace continues to the end date, and shows the run-out date when that pace would exhaust the units early.
- Reauthorization timing counts backwards from the period end by the lead time you set — many providers work to 30–45 days — because the submission date, not the end date, is the deadline that protects continuity.

Formula: `pace gap = (units delivered ÷ units authorized) − (days elapsed ÷ days in period)`

## Worked example

1. Authorization: 960 units (15-minute units, so 240 hours) from 1 July to 31 December — about 184 days.
2. Today is 29 September: 91 days elapsed, roughly 49% of the period.
3. Delivered so far: 420 units (105 hours), which is 44% of the authorization.
4. Daily pace: 105 ÷ 91 ≈ 1.15 hours/day; projection to 31 December: about 212 hours total.

Result: About 5 percentage points behind pace — roughly 28 hours of approved care will go undelivered unless scheduling changes.

## Official sources and effective dates

- CMS — Interoperability and Prior Authorization final rule — Federal prior-authorization framework — https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/cms-interoperability-and-prior-authorization-final-rule-cms-0057-f
- MACPAC — EPSDT in Medicaid — Current — https://www.macpac.gov/subtopic/epsdt-in-medicaid/

## Related questions

### How many ABA units are in an hour?

Most ABA billing codes are defined in 15-minute units, so one hour equals 4 units. Check each code's definition in the payer's fee schedule or your contract — the calculator also supports 30- and 60-minute units.

### What happens if authorized units run out before the period ends?

Claims beyond the approved units are typically denied. When the projection shows an early run-out, options include requesting a modification, adjusting scheduling, or accelerating the next reauthorization.

### What happens if we don't use all the authorized units?

Unused units expire with the period. They represent approved care that was not delivered, and a pattern of under-use can invite closer review at the next reauthorization.

### When should a reauthorization request be submitted?

At least 30 days before the current period ends — earlier when the payer's stated lead time is longer. The calculator shows the submission date for the lead time you set.

### Does this calculator work for Medicaid and commercial authorizations?

Yes — the pacing math is identical. Only the authorization's own units, dates and the payer's lead time differ.

## Save your result

A free Professional Passport keeps your own certifications, payer identifiers and renewals alongside the records you build here — so the credentials every submission depends on never lapse unnoticed. Start free at https://operation-optimize.com/auth.

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