HCPCS
U0001 — Cdc 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-ncov) real-time rt-pcr diagnostic panel
2019-ncov diagnostic p
Temporary new codes
U0005 — Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (dna or rna); severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (sars-cov-2) (coronavirus disease [covid-19]), amplified probe technique, cdc or non-cdc, making use of high throughput technologies, completed within 2 calendar days from date of specimen collection (list separately in addition to either hcpcs code u0003 or u0004) as described by cms-2020-01-r2
HCPCS code U0005 is used on U.S. medical bills for temporary new codes: Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (dna or rna); severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (sars-cov-2) (coronavirus disease [covid-19]), amplified probe technique, cdc or non-cdc, making use of high throughput technologies, completed within 2 calendar days from date of specimen collection (list separately in addition to either hcpcs code u0003 or u0004) as described by cms-2020-01-r2.
- Typical setting: Varies
- National avg charge (illustrative): Coverage and pricing emerging — verify with payer.
- Most-disputed reason: Coverage policy variance
What it means
What U0005 actually means
Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (dna or rna); severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (sars-cov-2) (coronavirus disease [covid-19]), amplified probe technique, cdc or non-cdc, making use of high throughput technologies, completed within 2 calendar days from date of specimen collection (list separately in addition to either hcpcs code u0003 or u0004) as described by cms-2020-01-r2.
The official CMS HCPCS Level II descriptor for this code is shown above. If the description on your bill does not match the service you actually received, that is a reason to ask for the itemized bill and dispute the line.
Common errors with this code
What goes wrong on real bills.
Use these as review prompts, not conclusions. The right next step is to compare the bill, itemized charges, and EOB before paying.
- Quantity or units of service that exceed what the medical record supports.
- Duplicate billing on the same date of service.
- Missing or incorrect modifier (e.g., JW for drug waste, RT/LT for sides).
- Coverage policy variance without supporting documentation.
If you see U0005 on your bill
Three steps before paying.
1. Get the itemized bill. If your statement only shows a summary, request the CPT-level itemized bill before paying. Generate the request language →
2. Cross-check against the EOB. Compare what your insurer's Explanation of Benefits says you owe versus what the hospital is asking. They disagree more often than people think. Read the bill-vs-EOB guide →
3. Run a free Bill Scan. Upload the bill (and EOB if you have it) and BillBusted will flag the most likely issues with this specific code in your specific state. Run free scan →
Related codes
Other codes in this category.
People who land on U0005 often also see these adjacent codes on the same bill.
Related BillBusted guides
Plain-English reads if you see U0005 on a bill.
U0005 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
What is U0005 used for on a medical bill?
HCPCS code U0005 is used on medical bills for temporary new codes: Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (dna or rna); severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (sars-cov-2) (coronavirus disease [covid-19]), amplified probe technique, cdc or non-cdc, making use of high throughput technologies, completed within 2 calendar days from date of specimen collection (list separately in addition to either hcpcs code u0003 or u0004) as described by cms-2020-01-r2. Billing mistakes can happen, and codes in this category most often get flagged for coverage policy variance. If you see U0005 on your bill, request the itemized statement and compare the units, date of service, and description to your Explanation of Benefits before paying.
How much should U0005 cost?
How much U0005 should cost depends on your payer and region. Billing mistakes can happen, and pricing for this HCPCS code is set by Medicare fee schedules for Medicare claims and by negotiated allowed amounts for commercial plans. Check the Medicare fee-schedule lookup tool, your insurer's member portal, or run a free BillBusted scan to compare your charge against typical allowed amounts.
Can I dispute a U0005 charge on my medical bill?
Yes, you can dispute a U0005 charge on your medical bill if the units, modifier, date of service, or coverage doesn't match the medical record or your insurance benefits. Request the itemized bill, compare to your EOB, and use BillBusted's Resolution Pack to draft the dispute letter if needed.
Don't pay U0005 blindly.
The free scan tells you in under 60 seconds whether this charge looks reasonable for your situation.