U-codes — Coronavirus Diagnostic Testing

Temporary codes established during the COVID-19 PHE for diagnostic testing not represented elsewhere.

U-codes (U0001-U0005) are a tiny range established by CMS in 2020 to capture CDC and non-CDC SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Many were deactivated as testing transitioned to permanent CPT codes (87635, 87811, etc.) but a handful remain active.

Frequently-referenced U-codes:

• U0003 — High-throughput SARS-CoV-2 testing (CDC)