COVID-19 CPT codes updated

The American Medical Association has announced updates to the CPT code set to include codes for vaccine and administration of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

According to a news release, the CPT Editorial Panel updated the codes for use on the condition that the Novavax vaccine candidate receives approval or emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are being published now to ensure electronic systems across the healthcare system can be prepared in advance should the agency approve or authorize the candidate.

“Relying on multiple manufacturers to produce different COVID-19 vaccine products helps to avoid possible supply disruptions and supports the needed volume of doses,” AMA President Susan R. Bailey, MD, says in the release. “However, accurately correlating vaccinated patients with one of the available COVID-19 vaccines is critical for managing immunizations. This challenge is managed with unique CPT codes that clinically distinguish each COVID-19 vaccine and provide the needed informational precision to ensure optimal vaccine distribution and administration.”

The other COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and AstraZeneca were previously issued unique CPT codes to distinguish each vaccine and administration for better tracking, reporting, and analysis, according to the release.

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine’s Category I CPT code and long descriptor:

91304Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, recombinant spike protein nanoparticle, saponin-based adjuvant, preservative free, 5 mcg/0.5mL dosage, for intramuscular use

The vaccine administration codes and long descriptors are:

• 0041A Immunization administration by intramuscular injection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, recombinant spike protein nanoparticle, saponin-based adjuvant, preservative free, 5 mcg/0.5mL dosage; first dose
• 0042A Immunization administration by intramuscular injection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, recombinant spike protein nanoparticle, saponin-based adjuvant, preservative free, 5 mcg/0.5mL dosage; second dose

The AMA offers a code finder on their website to help identify the appropriate CPT code combination for the type and dose of COVID-19 provided to the patient.