CMS Releases Billing Code for SARS-CoV-2

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently created a new Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System code to report the laboratory test panel for SARS-CoV-2. The lab panel titled 2019 Novel Coronavirus Real Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Test Panel may now be billed with HCPCS code U0001. This code is to be used instead of an unlisted HCPCS code.

The new code will allow for better tracking and surveillance of the new strain of coronavirus. Providers may use the code on claims for SARS-CoV-2 testing provided to patients after Feb. 4. The Medicare claims processing system will be able to accept the code beginning April 1. Additional information about this code as well as actions taken by CMS regarding COVID-19 is available on the CMS News Room web page.