Reimbursement
$40.00
Threshold
N/A
2026 Status
Active
What is CPT Code 90480?
CPT 90480 is defined as: Immunization administration by intramuscular injection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease) vaccine, single dose. This is the universal standard code for administering any approved COVID-19 vaccine in 2026.
This code is primarily used for Preventive services. It falls under the category of Vaccine Administration and is valid for the 2026 calendar year according to the CMS Physician Fee Schedule.
2026 RVU Components
Relative Value Units (Non-Facility)
Work RVU
0
Physician Effort
PE (Non-Fac)
1.2
Practice Expense
Malpractice
0
Risk Factor
Total RVU
1.2
Note: Carrier-priced or set national rate
2026 CMS Policy Intelligence
standardization
Post-PHE normalization: 90480 replaces previous product-specific admin codes (e.g., 0001A) as the universal standard.
ncci correction
Jan 2026 update allows concurrent billing with G0008 (Flu Admin) without a modifier, recognizing co-administration as the standard of care.
home incentive
Home administration add-on (M0201) provides ~$40.98 additional revenue for homebound services.
Administrative Framework
Place of Service
NCCI Exclusions
Key Modifiers
Required Primary Codes
Must be billed alongside a primary service.
Operational Requirements
minimum time
Procedure-based
staff type
Qualified health professional or clinical staff
frequency
Per dose administered (initial, booster, etc.).
add on codes
M0201
counseling bundling
The work of vaccine counseling is captured in 90480. Cannot bill separate E/M for counseling if the vaccine is administered.
Compliance Checklist
Audit Defense
No specific audit defense elements defined.
Common Clinical Scenarios
CMS Eligibility: Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection.. Single dose encounter.
Target Specialties & Utilization
Typical Clinical Indications (ICD-10)
Billing Differentiation
VS 90471
90471 is for non-COVID/Flu/Pneumo immunizations; 90480 is COVID-specific.
VS G0008
G0008 is for Influenza administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maximize Revenue with AI Confidence
Stop leaving earned revenue on the table. CPT Copilot (Coming Soon) automatically handles the complexity of 2026 CMS policies, identifying every opportunity while ensuring 100% compliance.