Special Coding Advice During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Special Coding Advice During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
COVID-19 UPDATE
Updated May 4, 2020
• Disclaimer: Information provided by the AMA contained within this Guide is for medical coding guidance purposes only. It does not (i)
supersede or replace the AMA’s Current Procedural Terminology® manual (“CPT Manual”) or other coding authority, (ii) constitute clinical
advice, (iii) address or dictate payor coverage or reimbursement policy, and (iv) substitute for the professional judgement of the practitioner
performing a procedure, who remains responsible for correct coding.
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Updated May 4, 2020
Scenario 1: Patient comes to office for E/M visit, is tested for COVID-19
during the visit, test conducted at laboratory not in physician’s office
Action In-office E/M visit Patient swab sample collected COVID-19 test performed
Who is performing Physician/QHP Clinical staff (eg, RN/LPN/MA) Laboratory
Applicable CPT 99201-99205 (New Patient) Swab collection included in E/M 87635
Codes 99212-99215 (Established Patient) 99000, Handling and/or conveyance of Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA
specimen for transfer from office to a laboratory, or RNA); severe acute respiratory syndrome
if applicable* coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease
[COVID-19]), amplified probe technique
Action In-office E/M visit Patient swab sample collected COVID-19 test performed in office*
Who is performing Physician/QHP Clinical staff (eg, RN/LPN/MA) Physician Office
Applicable CPT 99201-99205 (New Patient) Included in E/M 87635
Codes 99212-99215 (Established Patient) Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid
(DNA or RNA); severe acute respiratory
syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
(Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]), amplified
probe technique
4
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Updated May 4, 2020
Scenario 2: Patient comes to office for E/M visit re: COVID-19 and
is directed to an external testing site (not affiliated with physician), sample sent to lab
Action In-office E/M visit Patient swab sample collected COVID-19 test performed
Who is performing Physician/QHP Testing Site Laboratory
Applicable CPT Codes 99201-99205 (New Patient) 99211 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an 87635
99212-99215 (Established Patient) established patient, that may not require the presence of a physician or other Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA
qualified health care professional. Usually, the presenting problem(s) are minimal. or RNA); severe acute respiratory syndrome
Typically, 5 minutes are spent performing or supervising these services.) coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus
(when requirements are met) disease [COVID-19]), amplified probe technique
Note: CMS has approved 99211 for specimen collection for new and established
patients with 4/30 IFR; check other payors for reimbursement policies
or
99001 (Handling and/or conveyance of specimen for transfer from the patient in other
than an office to a laboratory (distance may be indicated)), if applicable*
COVID-19 focused ICD- Asymptomatic, no known exposure, results unknown or negative Z11.59
10 CM codes Possible exposure to COVID-19, ruled out Z03.818
Contact with COVID-19, Suspected exposure Z20.828
Place of Service (POS) 11 Physician Office 15 Mobile Unit 19 Off Campus Outpatient Hospital
19 Off Campus Outpatient Hospital 17 Walk-in Retail Health Clinic 22 On Campus Outpatient Hospital
20 Urgent Care Facility 20 Urgent Care Facility 81 Independent Laboratory
22 On Campus Outpatient Hospital 23 Emergency Room Hospital
Notes COVID-19 test orders given to patient If provided, Patient presents physician/QHP test orders to testing personnel.
*Check with specific payor. Not covered by Medicare
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Scenario 3: Patient received telehealth visit re: COVID-19, and is directed to Updated May 4, 2020
go to their physician’s office or physician’s group practice site for testing
Action Patient evaluated for COVID-19 testing need: E/M Telehealth 1 2 OR Telephone Pt goes to site Throat swabs taken at site, sent to lab COVID-19 test performed
visit
Who is performing Physician / QHP Clinical Staff (eg, RN/LPN/MA) Laboratory
Applicable CPT Code(s) E/M Telehealth 1 2 3 Telephone Visit Patient directed to 99211 (Office or other outpatient visit for 87635
New and Established Patients proceed to office for the evaluation and management of an Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid
COVID-19 testing established patient, that may not require (DNA or RNA); severe acute respiratory
New Patient (CPT times)
the presence of a physician or other syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
99201 (typical time 10 min) qualified health care professional. Usually, (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]), amplified
99202 (typical time 20 min) the presenting problem(s) are minimal. probe technique
99441 (5-10 min)
99203 (typical time 30 min) Typically, 5 minutes are spent performing or
Payor guidelines may vary
99204 (typical time 45 min) supervising these services.)
99205 (typical time 60 min) (when requirements are met)
99442 (11-20 min)
Established Patient (CPT times) Payor guidelines may vary
Note: CMS has approved 99211 for
specimen collection for new and established
99212 (typical time 10 min) 99443 (21-30 min)
patients with 4/30 IFR; check other payors
99213 (typical time 15 min) Payor guidelines may vary
for reimbursement policies
99214 (typical time 25 min)
99215 (typical time 40 min)
99000, Handling and/or conveyance of
specimen for transfer from office to a
laboratory, if applicable*
COVID-19 focused ICD- Asymptomatic, no known exposure, results unknown or negative Z11.59
10 CM codes Possible exposure to COVID-19, ruled out Z03.818
Contact with COVID-19, Suspected exposure Z20.828
Place of Service (POS) 11 Physician Office 11 Physician Office 11 Physician office
19 Off Campus Outpatient Hospital 19 Off Campus Outpatient Hospital
20 Urgent Care Facility 22 On Campus Outpatient Hospital
22 On Campus Outpatient Hospital 81 Independent Laboratory
Notes 1 CMS requires use of modifier 95 for telehealth services; other payors may require its use *Check with specific payor. Not covered by
2 Individual states (through Executive Order) or payors may permit use of E/M codes with audio-only encounters. Medicare
3 CMS will permit reporting of telehealth E/M office or other outpatient visits based on time or Medical Decision Making (MDM)
Office for Civil Rights at HHS provides flexibility on audio/visual tools
Medicare will pay telehealth at in-person rates and not conduct audits to ensure prior relationship with patient
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Scenario 4: Patient received telehealth visit re: COVID-19, and is directed to unaffiliated Updated May 4, 2020
testing site (not affiliated with physician/health care facility or laboratory)
Action Patient Evaluated for COVID-19 testing need: E/M Telehealth 1 2 OR Telephone visit Pt goes to testing Throat swabs taken at remote testing site, delivered to lab COVID-19 test performed
site
Who is Physician / QHP Testing Site Laboratory
performing
Applicable CPT E/M Telehealth 1 2 3 Telephone Visit 99211 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and 87635
Code(s) New and Established Patients management of an established patient, that may not require Infectious agent detection by nucleic
the presence of a physician or other qualified health care acid (DNA or RNA); severe acute
New Patient (CPT times)
professional. Usually, the presenting problem(s) are respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
99201 (typical time 10 min) minimal. Typically, 5 minutes are spent performing or (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease
99441 (5-10 min)
99202 (typical time 20 min) supervising these services.) [COVID-19]), amplified probe
Payor guidelines may vary
99203 (typical time 30 min) (when requirements are met) technique
99204 (typical time 45 min)
99205 (typical time 60 min) Note: CMS has approved 99211 for specimen collection for
99442 (11-20 min)
new and established patients with 4/30 IFR; check other
Established Patient (CPT times) Payor guidelines may vary
payors for reimbursement policies
99212 (typical time 10 min)
99213 (typical time 15 min) 99443 (21-30 min) or
99214 (typical time 25 min) Payor guidelines may vary
99215 (typical time 40 min) 99001 (Handling and/or conveyance of specimen for transfer
from the patient in other than an office to a laboratory
(distance may be indicated)), if applicable*
COVID-19 Asymptomatic, no known exposure, results unknown or negative Z11.59
focused ICD-10 Possible exposure to COVID-19, ruled out Z03.818
Contact with COVID-19, Suspected exposure Z20.828
CM codes
Place of Service 11 Physician Office 15 Mobile Unit 11 Physician Office
19 Off Campus Outpatient Hospital 17 Walk-in Retail Health Clinic 19 Off Campus Outpatient Hospital
20 Urgent Care Facility 20 Urgent Care Facility 22 On Campus Outpatient Hospital
22 On Campus Outpatient Hospital 81 Independent Laboratory
Notes 1 CMS requires use of modifier 95 for telehealth services; other payors may require its use When provided, patient presents physician/QHP test orders to testing
2 Individual states (through Executive Order) or payors may permit use of E/M codes with audio-only encounters. personnel.
*Check with specific payor. Not covered by Medicare
3 CMS will permit reporting of telehealth E/M office or other outpatient visits based on time or Medical Decision Making
(MDM)
Office for Civil Rights at HHS provides flexibility on audio/visual tools
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7 Medicare will pay telehealth at office visit rates and not conduct audits to ensure prior relationship with patient
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Scenario 5: Patient receives virtual check-in/online visit re: COVID-19 (not Updated May 4, 2020
related to E/M visit), and is directed to come to their physician office for testing
Action Patient evaluated for COVID-19 Pt goes to Throat swab taken in office COVID-19 test performed
testing need: Online digital E/M office Sample sent to Lab
Who is performing Physician / QHP Clinical Staff (eg, RN/LPN/MA) Laboratory
Applicable CPT Code(s) New or Established Patient Patient directed 99211 (Office or other outpatient visit for the 87635
to proceed to evaluation and management of an established Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid
99421 (5-10 min) office for patient, that may not require the presence of a (DNA or RNA); severe acute respiratory
physician or other qualified health care
99422 (11-20 min) COVID-19 syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
professional. Usually, the presenting problem(s) are
99423 (21 or more min) testing minimal. Typically, 5 minutes are spent performing or (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]),
Payor guidelines may vary supervising these services.)) amplified probe technique
(when requirements are met)
G2010 Remote Image
G2012 Virtual Check-In Note: CMS has approved 99211 for specimen
collection for new and established patients with 4/30
IFR; check other payors for reimbursement policies
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Scenario 6: Patient receives virtual check-in/online visit re: COVID-19 and is directed to Updated May 4, 2020
unaffiliated testing site (not affiliated with physician/health care facility or laboratory)
Action Patient evaluated for COVID-19 Pt goes to Throat swab taken at testing site, delivered to lab COVID-19 test performed
testing need: Online digital E/M testing site
Who is performing Physician / QHP Testing Site Laboratory
Applicable CPT New or Established Patient 99211 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of 87635
Code(s) 99421 (5-10 min) an established patient, that may not require the presence of a physician or Infectious agent detection by nucleic
99422 (11-20 min) other qualified health care professional. Usually, the presenting problem(s) acid (DNA or RNA); severe acute
99423 (21 or more min) are minimal. Typically, 5 minutes are spent performing or supervising these respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Payor guidelines may vary services.) (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease
(when requirements are met) [COVID-19]), amplified probe
G2010 Remote Image technique
G2012 Virtual Check-In Note: CMS has approved 99211 for specimen collection for new and
established patients with 4/30 IFR; check other payors for reimbursement
policies
or
99001 (Handling and/or conveyance of specimen for transfer from the patient
in other than an office to a laboratory (distance may be indicated)), if
applicable*
COVID-19 focused Asymptomatic, no known exposure, results unknown or negative Z11.59
ICD-10 CM codes Possible exposure to COVID-19, ruled out Z03.818
Contact with COVID-19, Suspected exposure Z20.828
Place of Service 11 Physician Office or other applicable 15 Mobile Unit 11 Physician office
site of the practitioner’s normal office 17 Walk-in Retail Health Clinic 19 Off Campus Outpatient Hospital
location 20 Urgent Care Facility 22 On Campus Outpatient Hospital
23 Emergency Room Hospital 81 Independent Laboratory
Notes COVID-19 test orders given to patient When provided, patient presents physician/QHP test orders to testing personnel.
*Check with specific payor. Not covered by Medicare
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Updated May 4, 2020
Scenario 7: Physician orders remote physiologic monitoring
following patient quarantined at home after receiving COVID-19 diagnosis
Action Patient receives initial set- Remote physiologic monitoring Remote physiologic monitoring Collection and interpretation of physiologic data
up of monitoring device treatment management services treatment management services digitally stored and/or transmitted by the patient to
and education on its use (First 20 minutes) (Each additional 20 minutes) physician/QHP
(Minimum of 30 minutes)
Place of Service 11 Physician Office or 11 Physician Office or other 11 Physician Office or other applicable 11 Physician Office or other applicable site of the
other applicable site of the applicable site of the practitioner’s site of the practitioner’s normal office practitioner’s normal office location
practitioner’s normal normal office location location
office location
Notes (Do not report 99453 for (Report once per calendar month, (Use 99458 in conjunction with 99457) Report once per 30 days
monitoring of less than 16 regardless of number of parameters (Do not report in conjunction with 99457 or 99458)
days) monitored)
Per the 4/30 IFR, CMS will allow remote physiologic monitoring services to be reported to Medicare for periods of time that are fewer than 16 days, but no less than 2 days, during
the PHE. For monitoring of less than 16 days, but more than 2 days, payment for CPT codes 99453, 99454, 99091 , 99457 and 99458 is limited to patients who have a suspected or
confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19.
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Updated May 4, 2020
Scenario 8 – (COVID-19 or Non-COVID-19 case): Patient receives
virtual check-in OR on-line visits via patient portal/e-mail (not related to E/M visit)
OR telephone call from qualified nonphysician (those who may not report E/M)
OR
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Updated May 4, 2020
Scenario 9: (COVID-19 or Non-COVID-19 case): Telehealth /
Telephone visit OR
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Updated May 4, 2020
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Updated May 4, 2020
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Updated May 4, 2020
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Updated May 4, 2020
99291 Critical care, evaluation and management of the critically ill or critically injured patient; first
30-74 minutes
+ 99292 Critical care, evaluation and management of the critically ill or critically injured patient;
each additional 30 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary service)
(Use 99292 in conjunction with 99291)
Applicable ICD-10 CM codes Non-COVID-19 patient: Code applicable diagnoses
COVID-19 patient: Code applicable diagnoses, add U07.1, COVID-19 (Effective April 1, 2020 -
CDC Announcement)
Place of Service Report applicable site of care
Notes 1 CMS requires use of modifier 95 for telehealth services; other payors may require its use
2 Individual states (through Executive Order) or payors may permit use of E/M codes with audio-only encounters.
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Updated May 4, 2020
CPT © Copyright 2019 American Medical Association. All rights reserved. AMA and CPT are registered
17 trademarks of the American Medical Association. To learn more about CPT licensing click here.
Updated May 4, 2020
CPT © Copyright 2019 American Medical Association. All rights reserved. AMA and CPT are registered
18 trademarks of the American Medical Association. To learn more about CPT licensing click here.
Updated May 4, 2020
CPT © Copyright 2019 American Medical Association. All rights reserved. AMA and CPT are registered
19 trademarks of the American Medical Association. To learn more about CPT licensing click here.
Updated May 4, 2020
CPT © Copyright 2019 American Medical Association. All rights reserved. AMA and CPT are registered
20 trademarks of the American Medical Association. To learn more about CPT licensing click here.
Updated May 4, 2020
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21 trademarks of the American Medical Association. To learn more about CPT licensing click here.
Updated May 4, 2020
Antibody Testing Scenario Grid
The following grid may be used to determine the appropriate guidance scenario for
COVID-19 serology testing, based on key reporting decision points related to reporting.
Patient visit setting Blood draw location Where is testing See Scenario
performed?
E/M in office During E/M visit During E/M visit 19
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Updated May 4, 2020
Scenario 19: (COVID-19 or Non-COVID-19 case) Patient comes to office for
E/M visit, is tested for COVID-19 antibodies during the visit
Action In-office E/M visit Blood sample collected COVID-19 antibody test performed in office1
Who is performing Physician/QHP Clinical staff (e.g., RN/LPN/MA) Physician Office
Applicable CPT 99201-99205 (New Patient) Included in E/M 86328 Immunoassay for infectious agent
Codes 99212-99215 (Established Patient) antibody(ies), qualitative or semiquantitative,
single step method (eg, reagent strip); severe
acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19])
Applicable ICD-10 Code applicable ICD-10-CM diagnoses, and any applicable COVID-19 focused diagnosis
CM codes Asymptomatic, no known exposure, results unknown or negative Z11.59
Contact with COVID-19, Suspected exposure Z20.828
U07.1, COVID-19 (Effective April 1, 2020 - CDC Announcement)
Place of Service 11 Physician Office N/A - Reported on same claim Reported on same claim
(POS) 19 Off Campus Outpatient Hospital
20 Urgent Care Facility
22 On Campus Outpatient Hospital
Notes 1 Contact third-party payor for applicable reimbursement policies concerning in-office laboratory testing.
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Scenario 20: (COVID-19 or Non-COVID-19 case) Patient comes to office for E/M visit, Updated May 4, 2020
sample taken for COVID-19 antibody test, sample sent to laboratory (lab not performed in physician’s office)
Action In-office E/M visit Blood sample collected Sample to lab COVID-19 antibody test performed in
laboratory
Who is performing Physician/QHP Clinical staff (e.g., RN/LPN/MA) Laboratory
Applicable CPT 99201-99205 (New Patient) *** Reimbursement policies vary: contact payor for specific policy*** 86328 Immunoassay for infectious agent
Codes 99212-99215 (Established Patient) antibody(ies), qualitative or semiquantitative,
36415 Collection of venous 99000 Handling and/or
single step method (eg, reagent strip); severe
blood by venipuncture, if conveyance of specimen for
acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-
applicable transfer from the office to a
CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19])
laboratory, if applicable
or
Place of Service 11 Physician Office N/A – reported on physician 19 Off Campus Outpatient Hospital
(POS) 19 Off Campus Outpatient Hospital claim 22 On Campus Outpatient Hospital
20 Urgent Care Facility 81 Independent Laboratory
22 On Campus Outpatient Hospital
Notes
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Scenario 21: (COVID-19 or Non-COVID-19 case) Patient received telehealth visit, and is directed to Updated May 4, 2020
go to physician’s office for COVID-19 antibody testing, testing completed in office
Action Patient evaluated for COVID-19 testing need: E/M Telehealth 1 2 OR Pt goes to office Blood sample taken at physician’s office COVID-19 Antibody test performed
Telephone visit
Who is performing Physician / QHP Clinical Staff (eg, RN/LPN/MA) Physician Office
Applicable CPT E/M Telehealth 1 2 3 Telephone Visit 99211 (Office or other outpatient visit for 86328 Immunoassay for infectious agent
Code(s) New and Established Patients the evaluation and management of an antibody(ies), qualitative or semiquantitative,
established patient, that may not require single step method (eg, reagent strip); severe
New Patient (CPT times) the presence of a physician or other acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
99201 (typical time 10 min) qualified health care professional. Usually, (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-
99202 (typical time 20 min) the presenting problem(s) are minimal. 19])
99203 (typical time 30 min) Typically, 5 minutes are spent performing
99441 (5-10 min) or supervising these services.)
99204 (typical time 45 min) Payor guidelines may vary
99205 (typical time 60 min) (when requirements are met)
Established Patient (CPT times) 99442 (11-20 min) *Note: CMS has approved 99211 for
Payor guidelines may vary specimen collection for new and
99212 (typical time 10 min)
established patients with 4/30 IFR; check
99213 (typical time 15 min) 99443 (21-30 min) other payors for reimbursement policies
99214 (typical time 25 min) Payor guidelines may vary
99215 (typical time 40 min)
Action Patient evaluated for COVID-19 Pt goes to Blood sample taken in Swab sent to COVID-19 test performed
testing need: Online digital E/M office office lab
Who is performing Physician / QHP Clinical Staff (eg, RN/LPN/MA) Laboratory
Applicable CPT New or Established Patient Patient directed *** Reimbursement policies vary: contact payor for 86328 Immunoassay for infectious agent
Code(s) to proceed to specific policy*** antibody(ies), qualitative or
99421 (5-10 min) office for COVID- semiquantitative, single step method (eg,
36415 Collection of venous 99000 Handling
99422 (11-20 min) 19 testing reagent strip); severe acute respiratory
blood by venipuncture, if and/or
99423 (21 or more min) syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
applicable conveyance of
Payor guidelines may vary (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19])
specimen for
transfer from the
G2010 Remote Image or
office to a
G2012 Virtual Check-In
laboratory, if
86769 Antibody; severe acute respiratory
applicable
syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
(Coronavirus disease [COVID-19])
COVID-19 focused Asymptomatic, no known exposure, results unknown or negative Z11.59
ICD-10 CM codes Possible exposure to COVID-19, ruled out Z03.818
Contact with COVID-19, Suspected exposure Z20.828
Place of Service 11 Physician Office or other 11 Physician Office 11 Physician office
(POS) applicable site of the practitioner’s 19 Off Campus Outpatient Hospital
normal office location 22 On Campus Outpatient Hospital
81 Independent Laboratory
Notes
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Scenario 24: (COVID-19 or Non-COVID-19 case) Patient receives virtual check-in/online visit (not Updated May 4, 2020
related to E/M visit), directed to go to other site for COVID-19 antibody testing, sample sent to lab
Action Patient evaluated for COVID-19 Pt goes to Blood sample taken at site Sample to lab COVID-19 Antibody test performed
testing need: Online digital E/M site
Who is performing Physician / QHP Clinical Staff (eg, RN/LPN/MA) Laboratory
Applicable CPT Code(s) New or Established Patient *** Reimbursement policies vary: contact payor for specific policy*** 86328 Immunoassay for infectious agent antibody(ies),
qualitative or semiquantitative, single step method (eg,
99421 (5-10 min) 99211 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation 99000 Handling reagent strip); severe acute respiratory syndrome
99422 (11-20 min) and management of an established patient, that may not and/or coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease
99423 (21 or more min) require the presence of a physician or other qualified conveyance of [COVID-19])
Payor guidelines may vary health care professional. Usually, the presenting specimen for
problem(s) are minimal. Typically, 5 minutes are spent transfer from the Or
G2010 Remote Image performing or supervising these services.) office to a
G2012 Virtual Check-In (when requirements are met) laboratory, if 86769 Antibody; severe acute respiratory syndrome
applicable coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease
Note: CMS has approved 99211 for specimen collection for [COVID-19])
new and established patients with 4/30 IFR; check other
payors for reimbursement policies
Action Patient evaluated via E/M Telehealth 1 2 OR Telephone visit Patient education & device calibration Subsequent Activity: Collect and interpret monthly BP
readings (no additional E/M service associated)
Who is performing Physician / QHP Physician/QHP Physician/QHP
Applicable CPT E/M Telehealth 123 Telephone Visit Included in E/M 99474 Self-measured blood pressure using a device validated for
Code(s) New and Established Patients clinical accuracy; separate self-measurements of two readings one
minute apart, twice daily over a 30-day period (minimum of 12
New Patient (CPT times) readings), collection of data reported by the patient and/or
99201 (typical time 10 min) caregiver to the physician or other qualified health care
99202 (typical time 20 min) professional, with report of average systolic and diastolic pressures
99441 (5-10 min) and subsequent communication of a treatment plan to the patient
99203 (typical time 30 min) Payor guidelines may vary
99204 (typical time 45 min)
99205 (typical time 60 min) 99442 (11-20 min)
Established Patient (CPT times) Payor guidelines may vary
Notes 1 CMS requires use of modifier 95 for telehealth services; other payors may require its use Do not report 99474 more than once per calendar month
2 Individual states (through Executive Order) or payors may permit use of E/M codes with audio-only encounters.
3 CMS will permit reporting of telehealth E/M office or other outpatient visits based on time or Medical Decision Making (MDM)
Office for Civil Rights at HHS provides flexibility on audio/visual tools
Medicare will pay telehealth at in-person rates and not conduct audits to ensure prior relationship with patient
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Scenario 26: (COVID-19 or non-COVID-19 Case) Self Monitored Blood Pressure Updated May 4, 2020
Services - Training separate, but same day as E/M Telehealth Visit
Action Patient evaluated via E/M Telehealth 1 2 OR Telephone visit Patient education & calibration of BP device Subsequent Activity: Collect and interpret monthly BP readings
(no additional E/M service associated)
Who is performing Physician / QHP Physician/QHP Physician/QHP
Applicable CPT E/M Telehealth 1 2 3 Telephone Visit 99473 Self-measured blood pressure using a 99474 Self-measured blood pressure using a device validated for
Code(s) New and Established Patients device validated for clinical accuracy; patient clinical accuracy; separate self-measurements of two readings
education/training and device calibration one minute apart, twice daily over a 30-day period (minimum of
New Patient (CPT times) 12 readings), collection of data reported by the patient and/or
Add 25 modifier
99201 (typical time 10 min) caregiver to the physician or other qualified health care
99202 (typical time 20 min) professional, with report of average systolic and diastolic
Add 25 99441 (5-10 min)
99203 (typical time 30 min) pressures and subsequent communication of a treatment pan to
modifier Payor guidelines may vary
99204 (typical time 45 min) the patient
99205 (typical time 60 min) 99442 (11-20 min)
Established Patient (CPT times) Payor guidelines may vary
Notes 1 CMS requires use of modifier 95 for telehealth services; other payors may require its use Do not report 99474 more than once per calendar
2 Individual states (through Executive Order) or payors may permit use of E/M codes with audio-only encounters. month
3 CMS will permit reporting of telehealth E/M office or other outpatient visits based on time or Medical Decision Making (MDM)
Office for Civil Rights at HHS provides flexibility on audio/visual tools
Medicare will pay telehealth at in-person rates and not conduct audits to ensure prior relationship with patient
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30 trademarks of the American Medical Association. To learn more about CPT licensing click here.
31