CMS-issued Billing Codes for COVID-19 Help Ease the Blow of Cost for Diagnostics
According to the CMS document, starting in April the laboratories performing testing will be allowed to bill Medicare and other health insurers for services that occurred after February 4, 2020. The only drawback is that the CMS issued billing codes for COVID-19, can only be used for test developed by the CDC code (U0001). Another code has been developed for labs performing non-CDC tests (U0002).
Effects of COVID on The Country
With the CMS-issued billing codes for COVID-19, more Americans will be able to be tested for the coronavirus which has taken the world over the past few weeks. Currently, at a glance, the number of cases of the virus in America is at 3,487 with 68 total deaths. This has caused multiple universities and schools to either shut down for a couple of weeks or even turn to online courses to finish out the semester. Certain businesses have also been closed down for the foreseeable future such as sports like basketball, football, soccer, and golf. The coronavirus has flu-like symptoms and without proper testing, many could be walking around with the virus without knowing.
Detecting COVID-19
Some of the early warning signs of COVID-19 include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
The current testing can be done easily, usually through taking a swab from deep in a patient’s nasal cavity. Although getting the sample is easy, looking for the virus is harder. The lab then performs a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction test. This is to detect the virus’s genetic material in a patient’s cells. The test can take 24-72 hours to get results. Those who think they might be infected should seek testing immediately in order to help limit the spread of the virus.
Today, President Trump stated the crisis could last until July, and suggest no group gatherings over 10 people. As we continue to move forward with precaution each of us has a responsibility of helping limit the spread of COVID in our areas. Check out this article for more information on the virus and how to properly avoid catching it. For instructions about testing contact your PCP and ask how much your testing will cost!
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