<<<<NOTE: This
ALERT is a follow-up to the ALERT dated March 13, 2020>>>>
PDF Version
TO: Physicians, FQHCs,
RHCs, Independent Labs, Hospitals, and ADPH
RE: Additional Laboratory
Testing and Specimen Collection Codes for Coronavirus
(COVID-19)
As Medicaid continues to monitor the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease
2019 (COVID-19) in
Alabama, we are including additional testing and specimen
collection procedure codes for coverage.
- U0003 Infectious agent detection by nucleic
acid (DNA or RNA); severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID19]), 2 amplified probe technique,
making use of high throughput technologies as described by CMS-2020-01-R
- U0004 2019-nCoV Coronavirus,
SARS-CoV-2/2019-nCoV (COVID-19), any technique, multiple types or subtypes
(includes all targets), non-CDC, making use of high throughput
technologies as described by CMS-2020-01-R
- G2023 Specimen collection for severe acute
respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]),
any specimen source
- G2024 Specimen collection for severe acute respiratory syndrome
coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]), from an
individual in a skilled nursing facility or by a laboratory on behalf of a
home health agency, any specimen source
- 99001 Handling and/or conveyance of specimen
for transfer from the patient in other than an office to a laboratory (not
associated with E/M visit)
The Medicaid claims processing system will be able to accept these codes
no later than May 22,
2020 for dates
of service on or after March 1, 2020.
During the COVID-19 emergency, it is important to file claims as quickly
as possible to ensure
payment from Medicaid is made to Medicaid providers close
to the date of service. The Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services has
increased the federal matching percentage for the emergency
time frame, but
states can only receive the increased match on claims that are paid during the
emergency.
Medicaid Fiscal Agent at 1-800-688-7989.