Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) Testing
Summary
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi covers FDA-approved COVID-19 RT-PCR testing using an upper respiratory specimen when it is medically appropriate for individuals with signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 without an alternative explanatory diagnosis. The same testing is medically appropriate for asymptomatic individuals with known or suspected recent exposure when their provider determines it is appropriate, and before elective surgeries and procedures involving the mouth, nose, oropharynx, nasopharynx, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, or requiring general anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care (MAC). COVID-19 RT-PCR testing not approved by the FDA, including any test authorized under an EUA, is considered investigational, and FDA-approved testing performed for screening of asymptomatic individuals is considered not medically necessary. The policy was reviewed on 07/01/2026 with statements unchanged, and the code reference was updated to remove CPT codes 0240U and 0241U.
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