How To Use CPT Code 85008

CPT 85008 describes the microscopic examination of a blood smear without performing a differential white blood cell (WBC) count. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 85008?

CPT 85008 is used to describe the examination of a blood smear under a microscope without performing a differential white blood cell count. This procedure allows for the evaluation of red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet morphology, which can provide valuable information about possible disease states. It is often ordered as a follow-up to other blood tests when abnormalities are detected.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 85008 is: ‘Blood count; blood smear, microscopic examination without manual differential WBC count.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst prepares a microscope slide by smearing a sample of the patient’s blood onto it.
2. The slide is then stained to enhance the visibility of the blood cells.
3. The lab analyst examines the stained slide under a microscope, observing the morphology of the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
4. No manual differential white blood cell count is performed during this examination.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 85008 is typically ordered by clinicians to evaluate the morphology of blood cells as an indicator of possible disease states. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition but can provide valuable information about the patient’s overall health. This procedure is performed by a lab analyst and does not require the presence of a specific qualifying circumstance.

5. When to use CPT code 85008

CPT code 85008 should be used when a clinician orders a microscopic examination of a blood smear without a manual differential white blood cell count. It is important to note that this code should not be reported in addition to other blood count codes, such as CPT codes 85025 or 85027. However, some payers may separately reimburse for the collection of the blood specimen using a code like CPT 36415 for venipuncture.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 85008, the documentation should include:

• Reason for ordering the examination
• Details of the microscopic examination, including the evaluation of red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet morphology
• Date and time of the examination
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 85008, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed is solely the microscopic examination of a blood smear without a manual differential white blood cell count. This code should not be reported in addition to other blood count codes. However, some payers may reimburse separately for the collection of the blood specimen using a different code.

8. Historical information

CPT 85008 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1993. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders a microscopic examination of a blood smear to evaluate the morphology of blood cells in a patient with suspected anemia.
2. Following an abnormal automated complete blood count (CBC) result, a clinician requests a microscopic examination of a blood smear to confirm the presence of thrombocytopenia.
3. A patient with a history of blood disorders undergoes a routine microscopic examination of a blood smear to monitor the morphology of their blood cells.
4. As part of a comprehensive blood analysis, a clinician orders a microscopic examination of a blood smear to assess the morphology of blood cells in a patient with suspected hematological abnormalities.
5. After an automated CBC reveals abnormal white blood cell counts, a clinician orders a microscopic examination of a blood smear to further investigate the morphology of the white blood cells.
6. A patient with a suspected platelet disorder undergoes a microscopic examination of a blood smear to evaluate the morphology of their platelets.
7. Following a bone marrow biopsy, a clinician orders a microscopic examination of a blood smear to compare the morphology of blood cells with the findings from the biopsy.
8. A patient with a history of blood clotting disorders undergoes a routine microscopic examination of a blood smear to monitor the morphology of their platelets.
9. As part of a preoperative evaluation, a clinician orders a microscopic examination of a blood smear to assess the morphology of blood cells in a patient with a suspected bleeding disorder.
10. Following a suspected infection, a clinician orders a microscopic examination of a blood smear to evaluate the morphology of white blood cells and identify any abnormalities.