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When to use HCPCS code G2023 and G2024 for COVID cases

We have got lot of updates regarding coding for COVID 19 cases from Medicare and CDC. The coronavirus is spreading like anything and taking lives of people in thousand everyday. USA is now leading in the number of death (around 22,000) caused due to this COVID 10 coronavirus. We have already learn about the complete list of ICD 10 codes used for coding COVID 19 cases. U07.1 should be used for the confirmed COVID 19 diagnosis cases in ICD 10. I have shared some examples for coding Covid 19 scenarios with answers.

CPT code 87635 and two HCPCS codes U0001 and U0002 should be used for reporting the COVID 19 or SARS-CoV-2 lab test or procedures. Code U0001 is used specifically for CDC testing laboratories and Code U0002 is used specifically for non-CDC testing laboratories.

To identify and reimburse specimen collection for COVID-19 testing, CMS established two HCPCS codes G2023 and G2024, effective with line item date of service on or after March 1, 2020. The following codes apply to the collection of test samples, including nasopharyngeal (NP) or oropharyngeal (OP) aspirates or washes, NP or OP swabs, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), etc.

Description of HCPCS code G2023 and G2024

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 SNF or by a laboratory on behalf of a HHA, any specimen source

As per the new change in the Medicare policy in Public Health Emergency (PHE), this policy allows the Medicare-enrolled independent laboratories to bill Medicare for the COVID-19 specimen collection “G” codes. At this time, we are awaiting clarification if these codes are reportable by hospital-based laboratories on UB-04 claim forms.

If the patient is “confined to the home” (that is, “homebound”), laboratories may also bill for the travel allowance with the current HCPCS codes set forth in Section 60.2 of the Medicare Claims Processing Manual (P9603 and P9604). CMS-1744-IFC clarifies the context of “homebound” for the COVID-19 pandemic.

P9603 Travel allowance one way in connection with medically necessary laboratory specimen collection drawn from home bound or nursing home bound patient; prorated miles actually travelled

P9604 Travel allowance one way in connection with medically necessary laboratory specimen collection drawn from home bound or nursing home bound patient; prorated trip charge