(March 16, 2020) – Repertoire Physician Office Lab Columnist, Jim Poggi, provides some insights into the COVID-19 testing methods
All the testing for coronavirus in the US is under the direction of the CDC. There are presently three methods approved:
- The CDC created method, which has been sent to public health labs in the U.S.
- Roche has approval for its RT-PCR assay
- Thermo Fisher has clearance for its RT-PCR assay
Several companies are working to achieve Emergency Use Authorization clearance for coronavirus tests and this situation is likely to change quickly.
There are NO physician office available tests. Physicians have directives on who to refer for testing. SOME hospitals are doing “drive through” testing, and triaging potential patients for testing or not depending on their symptoms and travel pattern.
The AMA Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Editorial Panel last week adopted a new CPT code that describes laboratory testing for the novel coronavirus—SARS-CoV-2—that causes COVID-19. The CPT code is now effective and can be used. Physicians and others can learn more about the CPT code and the short, medium and long descriptors for it.
This situation is very dynamic and states and local governments are taking steps to inform the public and work to control spread of COVID-19.
The CDC website is an expert source for information needed to understand the dynamics surrounding this novel disease – click here to access it.