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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesCoronavirus Diagnostic PanelHCPCS hcpcs-u0002-sars-cov-2-multiple-targets-molecular-test-non-cdc
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    HCPCS Level II U0002: COVID-19 Multiplex Molecular Diagnostic Test

    HCPCS Level II code U0002 describes a non-CDC laboratory test for SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV) that detects multiple types or subtypes and includes all targets; this represents a molecular diagnostic COVID-19 multiplex test typically performed by clinical laboratories and public health labs as a laboratory diagnostic service, with the typical site of service being outpatient laboratory or reference laboratory testing environments.

    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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    Table of contents

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical patient is an adult who presents to an outpatient urgent care clinic, community testing site, or hospital ambulatory collection area with symptoms consistent with an acute respiratory infection (fever, cough, sore throat, myalgias) or with known exposure to a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 case. A clinician or trained medical assistant collects a nasopharyngeal or nasal swab and sends the specimen to a non-CDC laboratory performing multiplex or multi-target molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 that includes detection of multiple viral targets or subtypes. The workflow includes patient registration, verification of order and insurance, specimen collection with appropriate personal protective equipment, specimen labeling and transport to the laboratory, test performance using a non-CDC EUA-approved assay, result verification by laboratory personnel, and result reporting to the ordering provider and public health authorities as required. Typical sites of service include outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, hospital outpatient departments, community testing sites, and commercial reference laboratories.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    36415Collection of venous blood by venipunctureOften performed when concurrent laboratory studies (e.g., serology, CBC) are ordered with SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing
    99000Handling and/or conveyance of specimen for transfer from office to laboratoryUsed when a facility documents specimen transport or courier services to an outside lab performing the assay
    G2023Specimen collection for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]), at a drive-through testing collection site, single specimenCommonly billed for collection services at dedicated drive-through or community testing locations
    G2024Specimen collection for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (Coronavirus disease [COVID-19]), at a drive-through testing collection site, up to 25 specimens per dayUsed by testing sites managing multiple specimens per day for logistical billing
    87635Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (e.g., COVID-19), amplified probe techniqueCommonly used alternative CPT code when reporting SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing in CPT coding systems; relates directly to the molecular assay performed under U0002

    Related Modifiers

    8 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    91Modifier 91 — “Repeat Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Test” — is appended when the exact same CPT laboratory test is performed more than once for the same patient on the same day because serial,…- Use modifier 91 when the exact same CPT laboratory test is performed more than once on the same patient on the same date because serial or repeated testing is medically necessary to monitor…
    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…
    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…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    95Modifier 95 indicates that a service was provided via synchronous, real‑time audio‑video telehealth rather than in‑person. Per CMS, AAPC and professional associations, append modifier 95 to claim…- Use modifier 95 to indicate a service was furnished via synchronous, real‑time audiovisual telehealth (a live audio‑video conference between patient and provider) rather than in‑person. - Pair…
    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.,…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    363L00000X
    207L00000X
    208D00000X
    208000000X
    261QM2500X
    101YP2500X
    364SP0810X
    174H00000X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    25 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    B34.2Coronavirus infection, unspecified
    B97.29Other coronavirus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
    E86.0Dehydration
    F41.9Anxiety disorder, unspecified
    I26.99Other pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale
    I46.9Cardiac arrest, cause unspecified
    J12.82Pneumonia due to coronavirus disease 2019
    J18.9Pneumonia, unspecified organism
    J21.9Acute bronchiolitis, unspecified
    J80Acute respiratory distress syndrome

    Showing 1–10 of 25

    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-U0001-CDC-2019-NCOV-RT-PCR-DIAGNOSTIC-PANEL

    HCPCS U0001: CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel

    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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