Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQ)

COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 can present as a mild to severe illness, although some people infected with COVID-19 may have no symptoms at all. Older adults and people of any age who have underlying medical conditions have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Serious outcomes of COVID-19 include hospitalization and death. Regardless of vaccination status, the SARS-CoV-2 virus can be spread to others not just while one is sick, but even before a person shows signs or symptoms of being sick (eg, fever, coughing, difficulty breathing).

A full list of symptoms of COVID-19 can be found at:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

There are a variety of different testing options for COVID-19, including for individuals with and without symptoms. For more information on current CDC recommendations for COVID-19 testing, please visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/testing-overview.html

An antigen test is a diagnostic test that detects specific proteins from the virus that causes COVID-19. An antigen test is also commonly referred to as a rapid test. For more information on the different types of testing available for COVID‑19, please visit:

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/coronavirus-disease-2019-testing-basics

COVID-19 serial testing is when one person tests themselves at least twice for COVID-19, such as every other day. By testing more frequently, you may detect COVID-19 more quickly and reduce the spread of infection.

It is possible for a fully vaccinated individual to become infected and transmit COVID-19 to other individuals, as none of the currently approved vaccines are 100% effective in preventing infection with COVID-19. CDC recommends that fully vaccinated individuals get tested if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or if they had close contact with a confirmed positive individual. For more information on current CDC recommendations for COVID-19 testing, please visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/testing-overview.html

Up-to-date CPT code information can be found at https://www.codemap.com/BD. Information for SARS-CoV-2 can be found under the “COVID-19” section. Information for other BD Veritor™ Plus System assays can be found under the “Point of Care” section. 

CMS issued G2023 and G2024 to allow “independent clinical diagnostic laboratories” to bill for COVID-19 specimen collection. Physician offices that are billing an E/M code for COVID-19 patient management and specimen collections should not bill additional specimen collection codes. Please see the CMS FAQ for more details on Medicare Fee-for-Service billing.

Please see the COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Medicare Fee-for-Service Billing published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Yes, the –QW modifier has been issued for 87426. Please see CMS Manual System Transmittal 10231.