Back in early March, CMS created two new COVID codes, one for the CDC test and one for all other tests, any methods. CMS priced the codes at about $30 and $50, respectively (U0001, U0002). By mid-March, AMA CPT had jumped on board, and created an AMA code for COVID test, 87635, any amplified method (entry point here).
New News: AMA CPT Serology Codes
New news. AMA has now created two codes for COVID serology.
- The first code, 86328, is for COVID immunoassay, single step e.g. reagent strip (laminar flow; think pregnancy test).
- The second code, 86769, is for any other COVID serology method. Note the two numbers are not serial.
- AMA does not price codes, but expect CMS to release pricing in coming days.
See the AMA press release about 86328/86 here.
For a range of mid-April newspaper and policy links on serology implementation, here.
Interaction with CARES Legislation
As I noted in early April, CARES legislation defines COVID tests as covered tests and defines payment rules (here; CARES Act, sections 3201, 3202, 3203). This covers "detection of SARS-CoV-2" and a serology test detects response to CoV-2 rather than detecting CoV-2. I'm not sure if the CARES legislation could be reasonably read to include serology tests, or if it would be very narrowly read to not include serology tests.
AND ALSO:
On April 11, AMA released a pretty long summary and resource guide to CMS updates for COVID (e.g. loosened telemedicine rules).
- Find the AMA website for CMS updates, here.
