Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Question: We’re performing SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid tests using high throughput technology. Could you explain how we should use U0005?

Nevada Subscriber

Answer: Because you stated that you’re performing high-throughput nucleic acid testing for SARS-CoV-2, the primary code for the service is U0003 (Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]), amplified probe technique, making use of high throughput technologies as described by CMS-2020-01-R).

You should additionally report U0005 (Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (dna or rna); severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (sars-cov-2) (coronavirus disease [covid-19]), amplified probe technique, cdc or non-cdc, making use of high throughput technologies, completed within 2 calendar days from date of specimen collection (list separately in addition to either hcpcs code u0003 or u0004) as described by cms-2020-01-r2) if you meet specific criteria when you perform the test.

Specifically, the testing must involve high-throughput technology that allows automated processing of more than 200 specimens a day for you to report U0003. To add U0005, the lab must complete the test in two days or less from the date of specimen collection, and the lab must complete most of their high-throughput COVID-19 diagnostic tests in two calendar days or less for all patients (not just Medicare patients) during the preceding calendar month.