AMA introduces new COVID-19 CPT codes

The American Medical Association (AMA) on September 8 published two new CPT codes for novel coronavirus (COVID-19)-related services, including one that accounts for additional supplies and clinical staff time used to mitigate spread of the virus.

Healthcare providers can now use CPT code 99072 (additional supplies, materials, and clinical staff time over and above those usually included in an office visit or other non-facility service[s], when performed during a public health emergency as defined by law, due to respiratory-transmitted infectious disease) to describe the additional supplies and staff time required to support safe in-person interactions with patients during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). This new code was established in response to the significant, additional practice expenses related to activities required to safely provide medical services to patients during the PHE, according to the AMA.

As explained in a special edition of CPT® Assistant, providers should use code 99072 only when safety measures are over and above those usually included during an office visit or service. Notably, the new code may only be reported for services rendered in non-facility place of service settings.

The AMA also released a new laboratory testing code 86413 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2] [COVID-19] antibody, quantitative) for laboratory testing that provides quantitative measurements of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Other laboratory testing codes for COVID-19 describe qualitative assessments (positive/negative) of SAR-CoV-2 antibodies.  

Both new codes went into effect immediately and remain effective until end of the COVID-19 PHE.

Healthcare professionals can find additional information, including clinical examples for the appropriate use of the new codes, in the accompanying CPT Assistant.