The provisional CPT code will be effective for use on the condition that a third dose shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine receives regulatory approval or authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The AMA is publishing the CPT code update now to ensure electronic systems across the U.S. health care system are prepared in advance if the FDA approves or authorizes a third dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

For quick reference, the vaccine administration CPT code and long descriptor assigned to the third dose of the current Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is:

0003A        Immunization administration by intramuscular injection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, mRNA-LNP, spike protein, preservative-free, 30 mcg/0.3 mL dosage, diluent reconstituted; third dose.

This CPT code and descriptor are used to report the actual work of administering the vaccine, in addition to all necessary counseling provided to patients or caregivers and updating the electronic record.

Changes to the CPT code set are considered through an open editorial process managed by the CPT Editorial Panel that collects broad input from the health care community and beyond to ensure CPT content reflects the coding demands of digital health, precision medicine, augmented intelligence, and other aspects of a modern health care system. This rigorous editorial process keeps the CPT code set current with contemporary medical science and technology so it can fulfill its vital role as the trusted language of medicine today and the code to its future.