MedicaidBilling CodesMedium impact
Lab Testing and Claim Submittal Related to COVID-19
Illinois Medicaid - HFS·IL · Family Medicine, General Practice, Internal Medicine·Provider Notice
Effective date
Mar 18, 2020
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Illinois has updated COVID-19 lab testing billing guidance for FQHCs, allowing procedure code 99000 for specimen handling to be billed separately at $23.46 when no encounter occurs, or as part of encounter billing when combined with patient visits. The policy provides specific billing instructions for different insurance types including Medicaid fee-for-service and managed care plans.
Action Required
Immediately: FQHCs must update billing procedures to include CPT 99000 for COVID-19 specimen collection. Bill 99000 alone at $23.46 for specimen-only visits, or include 99000 with encounter code T1015 for visits with provider contact. Update billing system to handle different reimbursement scenarios based on insurance type and encounter status. Contact individual MCO plans for non-contracted billing instructions.