Generally, duplicate editing prevents payment on claim lines that contain the same procedure code as previously paid services. If initial testing is negative, but the suspicion for COVID-19 remains, and it is important for the management of the patient or infection control, repeating the test is appropriate.
Duplicate editing in the Part B claims processing system for the COVID-19 laboratory codes U0001, U0002, U0003, U0004, and 87635 will allow payment for repeated tests on the same date of service when the claim lines for the repeated laboratory service are reported with the applicable modifier 59 (distinct procedural service) or 91(repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test).