New CPT code for COVID-19 antigen tests approved

The AMA announced a new CPT® code for reporting testing of patients suspected of being infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

CPT code 87426 (infectious agent antigen detection by immunoassay technique of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2) should be used to report antigen testing. The new code is effective June 25. A special edition CPT Assistant fact sheet notes that 87426 is not specific to COVID-19 because the currently available assays are not able to distinguish between SARS and COVID-19.

The CPT Assistant fact sheet includes a clinical example and a description of the procedure. The fact sheet also contains information on two new proprietary laboratory analysis testing codes.