CMS develops new code for coronavirus lab test

Feb 20, 2020 - 02:25 PM
Coronavirus Update 900x400

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has created a Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System code (U0001) specifically for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Labs and health care providers using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Real Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Test can use the code for billing. CMS said the code provides better tracking, and Medicare will begin accepting this code April 1 for claims with dates of service on or after Feb. 4, 2020.

CDC, the World Health Organization and other groups continue to monitor the supply chain of drugs and personal protective equipment coming out of China. In a press briefing today, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "I’ve written to 12 chief executives of manufacturers of personal protective equipment to seek their cooperation to ensure supply to protect health workers.” He added that there is a “good signal” from those manufacturers. CDC also released a webinar on how health systems can optimize the N95 respirator supply.

WHO reports nearly 76,000 confirmed cases and over 2,000 deaths, with the majority in China.

For the latest COVID-19 information and resources, visit CDC’s coronavirus webpage and AHA’s coronavirus webpage.

Related News Articles

Headline
HHS adopts recommendation to remove thimerosal from all flu vaccines
The Department of Health and Human Services July 23 announced it is recommending the removal of thimerosal from all U.S. flu vaccines. The announcement follows…
Headline
FDA announces recall of cefazolin by Sandoz for mislabeling
The Food and Drug Administration July 15 announced a recall by Sandoz on certain lots of cefazolin, due to the lots being mislabeled as penicillin G potassium…
Headline
COVID-19 vaccination approved for older adults and high-risk, younger children
 The Food and Drug Administration July 10 approved Moderna’s Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine for children under 12 with at least one underlying condition that…
Headline
CDC streamlines bird flu and influenza reporting
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention July 7 announced it is streamlining H5N1 bird flu updates with its routine influenza data given the low public…
Headline
U.S. hits highest measles case count in over 30 years 
The United States July 7 reached its highest annual measles case tally in 33 years, hitting at least 1,277 confirmed cases across 38 states and the District of…
Headline
OSHA proposes removing remaining requirements of its COVID-19 emergency temporary standard
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration June 30 released a proposed rule to remove what remains of its emergency temporary standard for occupational…