Several changes have recently occurred that affect billing and coding for services related to COVID-19. The public health emergency (PHE) that was scheduled to expire on July 25 has been renewed for another 90 days. And, in case you missed it, the AMA has announced a new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for COVID-19 antigen testing.

On July 23, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services extended the PHE for COVID-19 for an additional 90 days. Subsequently, several payers extended their coverage for telehealth and cost-sharing waivers through either Sept. 30 or Dec. 31. ISMA’s updated Coding for Telehealth Quick Reference Guide, posted on ISMA’s COVID-19 Resources page, has details.

ABN form updates

The Office of Management and Budget approved the Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) (Form CMS-R-131 (ZIP)) and instructions (PDF) for renewal. You must use the new ABN form with the expiration date of June 30, 2023, beginning Aug. 31. There are no other changes to the form. Visit the ABN webpage for more information.  

ICYMI: New CPT code for reporting COVID-19 antigen testing

The AMA recently announced an update to the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) that includes a new code for reporting antigen testing of patients suspected of being infected with the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The new code is intended for use as the industry standard for accurate reporting and tracking of antigen tests using an immunofluorescent or immunochromatographic technique for the detection of biomolecules produced by the SAR-CoV-2 virus. 

More information about the new code and its usage are online here.