Laboratory Question for the Week of November 5, 2018

Question:

Can labs report CPT code 85007 or CPT code 85008 for examining a blood smear to complete an ordered automated hemogram test (CPT codes 85025 or 85027)?

Answer:

If a treating physician orders an automated complete blood count with an automated differential WBC count (CPT code 85025) or without one (CPT code 85027), a lab sometimes examines a blood smear in order to complete the ordered test based on lab-selected criteria flagging the results for additional verification.

However, according to the National Correct Coding Initiative Manual for Medicare Services, the lab should NOT report either of the following codes for the blood-smear exam to complete the ordered automated hemogram (85025 or 85027):

85007

Blood count; blood smear, microscopic examination with manual differential WBC count

85008

Blood smear, microscopic examination without manual differential WBC count

The same principle applies if the treating physician orders any type of blood count, and the lab’s practice is to perform an automated CBC with or without automated differential WBC count.

Fee schedules, relative value units, conversion factors and/or related components are not assigned by the AMA, are not part of CPT, and the AMA is not recommending their use. The AMA does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or dispense medical services. The AMA assumes no liability for data contained or not contained herein.

CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.

Laboratory Question for the Week of November 5, 2018

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