The American Medical Association (AMA) last week announced updates to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes by the CPT editorial Panel in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The updates are designed to allow for more effective reporting and analysis for immunizations related to COVID-19.
The new CPT codes are related to each of the two coronavirus vaccines. Each code provides unique descriptors to help clinically distinguish each vaccine for better tracking and reporting.
The AMA explained that although these vaccines are not yet available to the public yet, it was determined that making these codes available in advance to health care organizations across the country would help facilitate proactive integration into their respective electronic systems.
These new codes will apply to any new coronavirus vaccine that receives Emergency Use Authorization or approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
The new Category CPT codes are as follows:
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 dosage, diluent reconstituted, for intramuscular use
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 dosage, for intramuscular use
Resource link for additional CPT code details
AMA Quick Reference Guide Chart
In addition, The AMA also announced new vaccine administration CPT codes and long descriptors. The AMA said this is a first for providing this level of specificity for vaccine related CPT codes. These will help to account for the many different variables and scenarios associated with vaccine administration.
Resource for administration codes and long descriptors.