AMA Releases CPT Codes for Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine

AMA Releases CPT Codes for Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine

The AMA released new CPT codes for the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Novavax Inc. In addition, AMA will put these in use pending approval or an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (AMA, 2021).

The Novavax vaccine follows a two-dose administration. Additionally, codes for the vaccine and each dose have been developed as below:

• 91304: “Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, recombinant spike protein nanoparticle, saponin-based adjuvant, preservative free, 5 mcg/0.5mL dosage, for intramuscular use” (AMA, 2021)
• 0041A: “Immunization administration by intramuscular injection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, recombinant spike protein nanoparticle, saponin-based adjuvant, preservative free, 5 mcg/0.5mL dosage; first dose” (AMA, 2021)
• 0042A: “Immunization administration by intramuscular injection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, recombinant spike protein nanoparticle, saponin-based adjuvant, preservative free, 5 mcg/0.5mL dosage; second dose” (AMA, 2021)

Vaccine and administration codes are now available for a total of five COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen, and Novavax.

Unlike the Pfizer and Moderna products, which are mRNA vaccines, or the Janssen and AstraZeneca versions, which are viral vector vaccines, the Novavax vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine that uses a lab-made version of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Thus, the protein on its own cannot cause illness.

By adding a protein adjuvant ingredient, the immune system is signaled to generate protective antibodies against COVID-19. In addition, vaccines for HPV, Hepatitis B, and the modern flu all use similar techniques.

Additional information

For a comprehensive list of all COVID-19 vaccine codes and information, see the AMA website. Follow the YES Blog COVID-19 Resource Center for continuous coding updates regarding the Coronavirus and its various treatments.

Do you need to learn how to code the COVID-19 vaccines or telehealth services? Enroll in the latest COVID-19 training from YES HIM Education.

Ann Zeisset, RHIT, CCS, CCS-P, co-authored this article with Teri Jorwic, MPH, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, FAHIMA.