© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 91309 refers to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine, specifically designed to combat coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This vaccine utilizes a messenger RNA (mRNA) technology encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP), which is a method that allows the mRNA to be delivered effectively into human cells. The vaccine contains a dosage of 50 micrograms in a 0.5 mL volume and is formulated to be preservative-free, ensuring a safer administration for patients. The primary function of this vaccine is to stimulate the immune system by introducing a blueprint for the spike protein found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Upon administration via intramuscular injection, the body’s cells utilize this mRNA to produce the spike protein, which is then recognized as foreign by the immune system. This recognition prompts the immune system to generate antibodies, preparing the body to respond more effectively if exposed to the actual virus in the future. It is important to note that this code specifically reports the supply of the Moderna COVID-19 booster vaccine intended for adults aged 18 years and older. The vaccine is packaged in a manner that ensures safety and is provided in booster dose-only packaging, distinguishing it from primary dose vials. The administration of the vaccine itself is reported separately using the appropriate administration code, emphasizing the need for accurate coding in the billing process.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 91309 is indicated for the vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The vaccine is specifically recommended for adults aged 18 years and older who are seeking protection from the potentially severe and life-threatening effects of COVID-19. The administration of this vaccine is crucial in efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus and reduce the incidence of severe illness associated with the disease.
The administration of the COVID-19 vaccine coded as CPT® 91309 involves several key procedural steps to ensure proper delivery and effectiveness of the vaccine. First, the healthcare provider must verify the patient's eligibility for the vaccine, confirming that the individual is at least 18 years old and has no contraindications to receiving the mRNA-LNP vaccine. Next, the provider prepares the vaccine for administration, ensuring that it is drawn from the safety-ensured booster dose-only packaging, which is specifically designed for this purpose. The vaccine is then administered via intramuscular injection, typically into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. It is essential that the injection technique is performed correctly to maximize the vaccine's efficacy and minimize discomfort for the patient. After the injection, the healthcare provider should monitor the patient for any immediate adverse reactions, following standard post-vaccination protocols. Documentation of the vaccine administration, including the date, dosage, and site of injection, must be recorded accurately in the patient's medical record to ensure compliance and facilitate future healthcare needs.
After the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine coded as CPT® 91309, it is important to provide appropriate post-procedure care to the patient. The healthcare provider should advise the patient to remain in the clinic for a short observation period to monitor for any immediate side effects or allergic reactions, which can occur in rare cases. Common side effects may include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea, which typically resolve within a few days. Patients should be informed about the importance of completing the vaccination series, if applicable, and encouraged to report any unusual or severe reactions to their healthcare provider. Additionally, patients should be educated on the continued need for preventive measures against COVID-19, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing, even after vaccination, until community immunity is achieved. Follow-up appointments may be necessary for subsequent doses or booster shots, depending on the vaccination schedule recommended by health authorities.
| Short Descr | SARSCOV2 VAC 50MCG/0.5ML IM | Medium Descr | ADM SARSCOV2 30MCG/0.3ML 1ST | Long Descr | Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, mRNA-LNP, spike protein, preservative free, 50 mcg/0.5 mL dosage, for intramuscular use | Status Code | Not Valid for Medicare Purposes | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Non-Covered Service, not paid under OPPS | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | Not applicable/unspecified. |
| SL | State supplied vaccine |
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Date
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Action
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Notes
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| 2024-01-01 | Note | First appearance of 2022 AMA guideline additions & updates in codebook. |
| 2023-11-01 | Deleted | First appearance of deletion in codebook. |
| 2023-11-01 | Deleted | Code deleted. See 91318, 91319, 91320, 91321, 91322. |
| 2023-04-18 | Note | Changes made to dosing information |
| 2023-04-18 | Note | These codes (included in the guidelines) are no longer authorized for use in the United States: 0011A, 0012A, 0013A, 0064A, 0111A, 0112A, 0113A. |
| 2023-04-18 | Note | AMA guidelines changed to include 0141A, 0142A. Published to website 2023-05-01. Received FDA approval effective retroactively to 2023-04-18. |
| 2023-04-18 | Note | No longer authorized for use in the United States. |
| 2023-01-01 | Deleted | First appearance of code deletion in codebook. |
| 2023-01-01 | Added | First appearance in codebook. |
| 2022-12-08 | Note | CPT codebook guideline(s) changed.0164A received FDA approval. |
| 2022-11-16 | Note | CPT codebook guideline(s) changed to include 0164A effective upon receiving emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA. |
| 2022-10-12 | Note | CPT codebook guideline(s) changed. 0134A (12–17 yrs) and 0144A received FDA approval. |
| 2022-08-31 | Note | Changes made to vaccine name, product & dosing information, & patient age (6-11). |
| 2022-08-31 | Note | CPT codebook guideline(s) changed. 0134A (18 yrs & older) received FDA approval. |
| 2022-08-31 | Note | CPT codebook guideline(s) changed to include 0134A, 0144A effective upon receiving emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA. |
| 2022-06-17 | Note | CPT codebook guideline(s) changed. Codes 0091A, 0092A, 0093A, 0113A published on AMA website 2022-07-06. Effective retroactively to 2022-06-17 |
| 2022-06-17 | Note | CPT codebook guideline(s) changed. 0111A, 0112A received FDA approval. |
| 2022-05-19 | Note | CPT codebook guideline(s) changed to include 0111A, 0112A effective upon receiving Emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA. |
| 2022-03-29 | Added | FDA approval received. |
| 2022-03-29 | Note | CPT codebook guideline(s) changed. 0094A received FDA approval. |
| 2022-03-07 | Added | Published on AMA website. Effective upon receiving emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA. |
| 2022-03-07 | Note | CPT codebook guideline(s) changed. Codes 0094A published to website. Effective upon receiving emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA. |
| 2022-03-07 | Note | CPT codebook guideline(s) changed. Codes 0011A, 0012A, 0013A, 0064A published to website & received FDA approval prior to the addition of 91309. |
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