On 10th Nov 2020, the American Medical Association (AMA) published an update to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set that includes new vaccine-specific codes to report immunizations for the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
The CPT editorial panel has approved a unique CPT code for each of two coronavirus vaccines as well as administration codes unique to each such vaccine. These new CPT codes clinically distinguish each coronavirus vaccine for better tracking, reporting, and analysis that supports data-driven planning and allocation.
CPT Code for Coronavirus Vaccines
CPT code 91300:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, mRNA-LNP, spike protein, preservative-free, 30 mcg/0.3mL dosages, diluent reconstituted, for intramuscular use
CPT code 91301:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, mRNA-LNP, spike protein, preservative-free, 100 mcg/0.5mL dosages, for intramuscular use
CPT Code for Coronavirus Vaccine Administration
In accordance with the new vaccine-specific product CPT codes, the CPT editorial panel has worked with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to create new vaccine administration codes that are both distinct to each coronavirus vaccine and the specific dose in the required schedule.
This level of specificity is a first for vaccine CPT codes, but offers the ability to track each vaccine dose, even when the vaccine product is not reported (e.g. when the vaccine may be given to the patient for free). These CPT codes report the actual work of administering the vaccine, in addition to all necessary counseling provided to patients or caregivers and updating the electronic record.
For quick reference, the new vaccine administration CPT codes and long descriptors are:
CPT code 0001A:
Immunization administration by intramuscular injection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, mRNA-LNP, spike protein, preservative-free, 30 mcg/0.3mL dosages, diluent reconstituted; first dose
CPT code 0002A:
Immunization administration by intramuscular injection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, mRNA-LNP, spike protein, preservative-free, 30 mcg/0.3mL dosages, diluent reconstituted; second dose
CPT code 0011A:
Immunization administration by intramuscular injection of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, mRNA-LNP, spike protein, preservative-free, 100 mcg/0.5mL dosages; first dose
CPT code 0012A:
Immunization administration by intramuscular injection of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, mRNA-LNP, spike protein, preservative-free, 100 mcg/0.5mL dosages; second dose
All the new vaccine-specific CPT codes published will be available for use and effective upon each new coronavirus vaccine receiving ‘emergency use authorization’ or approval from the food and drug administration. Changes to the CPT code set are considered through an open editorial process managed by the CPT Editorial Panel that collects broad input from the health care community and beyond to ensure CPT content reflects the coding demands of digital health, precision medicine augmented intelligence and other aspects of a modern health care system.
This rigorous editorial process keeps the CPT code set current with contemporary medical science and technology so it can fulfil its vital role as the trusted language of medicine today and the code to its future.
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