Novavax joins other Covid-19 manufacturers in garnering unique CPT codes

The American Medical Association (AMA) announced that is has updated its Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code set to include codes for the Covid-19 vaccine under development by Novavax, Inc.

These codes will be used if the vaccine receives emergency use authorization (EUA) or approval from the FDA. The AMA noted that the reason it was announcing this now was to get out in front of the potential agency decision so electronic health systems across the country are prepared if the agency decides in favor of the approval or EUA.

“Relying on multiple manufacturers to produce different Covid-19 vaccine products helps to avoid possible supply disruptions and supports the needed volume of doses,” said AMA President Susan R. Bailey, MD, in a statement. “However, accurately correlating vaccinated patients with one of the available Covid-19 vaccines is critical for managing immunizations. This challenge is managed with unique CPT codes that clinically distinguish each Covid-19 vaccine and provide the needed informational precision to ensure optimal vaccine distribution and administration.”

Other vaccines from AstraZeneca, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), Moderna, and Pfizer have all been issued unique CPT codes. This helps to “distinguish each vaccine and immunization administration for better tracking, reporting, and analysis that supports data-driven planning and allocation,” the AMA noted.

The AMA’s code finder resource has been updated to show the CPT code information for each type and dose of Covid-19 vaccines provided to every patient.

“For quick reference, the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine has been assigned the following Category I CPT code and long descriptor: 91304 Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease [Covid-19]) vaccine, recombinant spike protein nanoparticle, saponin-based adjuvant, preservative free, 5 mcg/0.5 mL dosage, for intramuscular use.”

In addition, the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine was assigned the following vaccine administration CPT codes and long descriptors:

  • “0041A Immunization administration by intramuscular injection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease [Covid-19]) vaccine, recombinant spike protein nanoparticle, saponin-based adjuvant, preservative free, 5 mcg/0.5 mL dosage; first dose.
  • “0042A Immunization administration by intramuscular injection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease [Covid-19]) vaccine, recombinant spike protein nanoparticle, saponin-based adjuvant, preservative free, 5 mcg/0.5 mL dosage; second dose.”

More information about the CPT codes can be found on the AMA website.

Candace Hoffmann, Managing Editor, BreakingMED™

Cat ID: 190

Topic ID: 79,190,728,791,932,556,730,190,926,927,934

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