Effective 1/1/2026, the AMA has approved CPT code 87812 to recognize ‘direct optical observation’ results for lab tests testing COVID-19 and Influenza A/B together:
| The following labs will change to 2026 code 87812: |
|
BinaxNOW COVID-19/Flu A&B |
| CorDx Tyfast Flu A/B & COVID-19 Multiplex Rapid Test |
| FLOWFLEX PLUS COVID-19 AND FLU A/B |
| Healgen COVID-19/Flu A&B Ag Combo Rapid Test |
| Status COVID-19/Flu A&B |
| Well Life COVID/Flu |
The AMA also approved CPT code 87494 for multiplex amplified probe tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea when tested together:
| The following labs will change to 2026 code 87494: |
| Chlamydia/Gonorrhea Rapid Test |
| Xpert CT/NG Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhea (DNA) |
New COVID-19 vaccine administration code updates.
- New code 90481, “Immunization administration by intramuscular injection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine; each additional component administered.”
- This is an add-on code used with 90480, which is the administration for the first or only component of each [COVID-19] vaccine administered
- New codes 90482, 90483, and 90484 are time-based codes for immunization counseling when the immunization(s) is NOT given on the same day
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