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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesCoronavirus Diagnostic PanelHCPCS hcpcs-u0001-cdc-2019-ncov-rt-pcr-diagnostic-panel
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    HCPCS U0001: CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel

    HCPCS Level II code U0001 represents the CDC 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) real-time RT-PCR diagnostic panel used for molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA; the service is a laboratory molecular diagnostic test (real-time RT-PCR) typically performed in clinical laboratories or public health laboratory settings and billed as a diagnostic lab procedure for patients under evaluation for COVID-19 infection.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Ambulance and Medical Transport Services (Ground, Air and Water) Corporate Medical Policy, Emergency Air/Water Ambulance Services Medical Guideline, Non-Emergent Ambulance Services.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A symptomatic adult presents to an urgent care clinic with fever, cough, and shortness of breath during a period of community spread of SARS-CoV-2. The clinician performs a focused evaluation, documents travel and exposure history, and determines molecular testing is indicated. A nasopharyngeal swab is collected by a licensed clinician or trained staff and sent to a laboratory capable of running the CDC 2019 novel coronavirus real-time RT-PCR diagnostic panel billed with U0001. Specimen handling includes labeling, appropriate transport media, and chain-of-custody documentation. The laboratory performs nucleic acid extraction and real-time RT-PCR targeting SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences and reports results to the ordering clinician for isolation and treatment decisions. Typical sites of service include outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, emergency departments, and public health laboratories.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    87631Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); SARS-CoV-2, amplified probe techniqueCommonly used as an alternative or follow-up molecular assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection; may be billed when platform-specific CPT is appropriate.
    87641Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); multiple types/targets, 1-2 targetsUsed for multiplex respiratory panels that include SARS-CoV-2 and other viral targets; relates when broader panels are performed instead of a single-target PCR.
    99213Office or other outpatient visit for evaluation and management of an established patient, typically 15 minutesTypical E/M level billed when a clinician evaluates symptoms and orders the RT-PCR test the same day.
    99000Handling and/or conveyance of specimen for transfer from office to another lab (specimen handling)Billed when a provider charges for special specimen handling and transport associated with testing.
    G2023Specimen collection for SARS-CoV-2 viral testing, required ancillary service, HCPCS G-codeUsed by some payers to report specimen collection for COVID-19 testing when applicable; billed in conjunction with molecular test.

    Related Modifiers

    5 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    25CPT modifier 25 indicates that on the same day as another procedure or service, the same physician or other qualified health care professional provided a significant, separately identifiable…- When to apply: Use modifier 25 only on an E/M code to indicate the same provider delivered a significant, separately identifiable E/M service on the same day as another procedure or service — i.e.,…
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    90Modifier ‑90 (Reference/Outside Laboratory) indicates that a laboratory test was performed by an entity other than the treating or reporting provider. The American Medical Association defines…- Use CPT modifier -90 when a laboratory test is performed by an outside/reference laboratory (an entity other than the treating or reporting physician or qualified professional) and the claim needs…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207Q00000X
    363A00000X
    208000000X
    208D00000X
    2355S0801X
    176P00000X
    246ZC0007X
    252Y00000X

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Emergency & Medical Transportation1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Ambulance and Medical Transport Services (Ground, Air and Water) Corporate Medical Policybcbsvermont2026-10-01
    Emergency Air/Water Ambulance Services Medical GuidelineWPS Health Insurance2026-10-01
    Non-Emergent Ambulance ServicesConnectiCare2026-09-11
    Fixed Wing Air Ambulance TransportCigna2026-08-15
    Air AmbulanceAmbetter Georgia2026-08-01
    Ambulance Services (for New Mexico Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-08-01
    Ambulance Services (for Tennessee Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-08-01
    Clinical Policy: Air AmbulanceAmbetter Nevada2026-08-01
    Air AmbulanceCentene2026-08-01
    Clinical Policy: Air AmbulanceArizona Complete Health2026-08-01

    Related Codes

    HCPCS-U0002-SARS-COV-2-MULTIPLE-TARGETS-MOLECULAR-TEST-NON-CDC

    HCPCS Level II U0002: COVID-19 Multiplex Molecular Diagnostic Test

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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