Headline: New CPT code 91318 captures a tris–sucrose SARS–CoV–2 vaccine formulation for intramuscular use

Lead: CPT code 91318 designates a SARS–CoV–2 vaccine product (tris–sucrose formulation) delivered intramuscularly at a dose of 3 mcg/0.3 mL to reduce the patient’s risk of COVID–19. This vaccine code is important for national vaccination reporting, inventory tracking, and payer reimbursement workflows.

What the code represents and why it matters: CPT code 91318 identifies a specific COVID–19 vaccine product and enables standardized billing and clinical documentation for administration events. Accurate use of this CPT code supports public health monitoring, claims processing, and supply-chain management during ongoing vaccination efforts.

Key payers covered: Analysis and coverage considerations typically involve major national payers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.

What readers will learn: Readers will find clinical context for the vaccine formulation and administration route, payer coverage scope across major national insurers, and operational implications for sites of service. The publication includes benchmarks and coding guidance where available, summaries of policy updates relevant to COVID–19 vaccine codes, and considerations for claim submission and billing workflows.

Data availability: Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, related codes, and service line.