Practicefirst would like to notify its clients of another new CPT code introduced by AMA related to the COVID-19 testing. Per AMA this code was introduced because, “There is no code that describes multiplex immunoassay antigen testing for these three viral targets, i.e. SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 [COVID-19], and influenza virus types A and B. A code to report a multiplex viral pathogen panel using an antigen immunoassay technique would facilitate reporting SARS-CoV-2 testing, along with influenza types A and B in the differential diagnosis”.
This new code is effective immediately for use in reporting this laboratory test. The description of the code is as follows:
87428: Infectious agent antigen detection by immunoassay technique, (e.g. enzyme immunoassay [EIA], enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], fluorescence immunoassay [FIA], immunochemiluminometric assay [IMCA]) qualitative or semiquantitative; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (e.g. SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 [COVID-19]) and influenza virus types A and B
The annual revision to the CPT code set will go into effect on January 1, 2021. This will include the new E/M guidelines for the office visit codes. Practicefirst will continue to communicate with its clients regarding all the CPT changes for 2021
