Breaking News – AMA Announces New CPT® Codes for Multi-Virus Tests for Covid-19 AND Influenza

AMA Releases New CPT® Codes for COVID-19 and Influenza Testing

The American Medical Association (AMA) has announced important updates to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set. These updates introduce new codes for multi-virus testing that detects COVID-19 and influenza. This change reflects the need for precise coding in the evolving landscape of respiratory infections.

Overview of New CPT® Codes

The AMA has introduced two new Category I CPT codes. These codes provide clarity for reporting critical diagnostic tests:

• 87636: Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) and influenza virus types A and B, multiplex amplified probe technique.
• 87637: Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]), influenza virus types A and B, and respiratory syncytial virus, multiplex amplified probe technique.

These codes enhance reporting efficiency for respiratory virus testing.

Revision of Existing CPT Codes

The AMA also revised existing CPT codes ranging from 87301 to 87430. The undefined term “multi-step method” has been removed from the code descriptors. This revision clarifies how antigen tests should be reported.

• 87426: Infectious agent antigen detection by immunoassay technique (e.g., enzyme immunoassay [EIA], enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], fluorescence immunoassay [FIA], immunochemiluminometric assay [IMCA]) qualitative or semiquantitative; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (e.g., SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 [COVID-19]).

Additionally, the CPT Editorial Panel approved a new Category I code:

• 87811: Infectious agent antigen detection by immunoassay with direct optical (i.e., visual) observation; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]).

Importance of These Updates in Medical Reporting

These updates are crucial for healthcare providers and laboratories. They ensure accurate reporting and coding for the complex landscape of respiratory virus testing. As new strains emerge, having precise codes is essential for effective patient management and public health reporting.

Access to Additional Information

For more detailed information about the new CPT codes and other modifications, healthcare professionals can access the AMA’s official press release on their website. Staying informed about these changes is essential for maintaining compliance and optimizing coding practices.