AMA: New codes created for COVID-19 vaccine boosters

The AMA updated its Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®) code set to add a new code for booster doses of Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine, according to an October 27 press release.

Effective October 20, the new code is 0034A (immunization administration by intramuscular injection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2] [coronavirus disease (COVID-19)] vaccine, DNA, spike protein, adenovirus type 26 [Ad26] vector, preservative free, 5x1010 viral particles/0.5 mL dosage; booster dose).

This is the third CPT code added for a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. CPT codes for booster doses of the Pfizer (0003A) and Moderna (0013A) vaccines were released in August. CPT code 0003A was effective September 22, and 0013A was effective October 20.

Revenue integrity professionals should ensure chargemasters are updated with the new code as appropriate. Revenue integrity, coding, and billing staff should be notified of the new codes and educational material should be updated.

Editor’s note: Find additional NAHRI coverage of COVID-19 vaccines here, and access more NAHRI coverage of charging, coding, billing, and documentation of COVID-19 here.