How To Use CPT Code 85014

CPT 85014 describes the procedure for determining the volume percent of red blood cells, known as hematocrit, in a whole blood specimen. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 85014?

CPT 85014 can be used to determine the hematocrit level in a whole blood specimen. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the necessary technical steps, typically utilizing automated cell counters, to calculate the percentage of red blood cells by volume in the specimen.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 85014 is: ‘Blood count; hematocrit (Hct)’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst performs all technical steps, typically utilizing automated cell counters, to determine the mean cell volume (MCV) and red blood cell count (RBC) in the whole blood specimen.
2. Using the MCV and RBC values, the lab analyst calculates the hematocrit, which represents the volume percent of red blood cells in the specimen.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 85014 is used to diagnose various conditions, such as anemia, dehydration, or polycythemia vera, which are related to abnormal hematocrit levels. Clinicians may order this test when they suspect a disorder related to the volume percent of red blood cells in the blood specimen.

5. When to use CPT code 85014

CPT code 85014 should be used when a clinician orders a hematocrit test to diagnose a specific condition or to assess the volume percent of red blood cells in the blood specimen. It is important to select the most comprehensive hematology test code that includes the hematocrit, rather than reporting CPT 85014 separately, if the test is part of a more comprehensive panel.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 85014, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Reason for ordering the hematocrit test
• Specific method used to determine the hematocrit
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the hematocrit calculation
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 85014, ensure that the test is performed by a qualified lab analyst using the appropriate method. If the lab has a CLIA-waived license and uses a CLIA-waived method, append modifier QW to the test code. It is also important to consider if the specimen collection should be billed separately using a venipuncture code.

8. Historical information

CPT 85014 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been historical changes to the code, including a code change on January 1, 2003, when it was renamed from ‘Blood count; other than spun hematocrit’ to ‘Blood count; hematocrit (Hct)’

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders a hematocrit test to assess a patient’s anemia.
2. A lab analyst performs a hematocrit test to diagnose a patient with polycythemia vera.
3. A clinician orders a comprehensive hematology panel that includes a hematocrit test to evaluate a patient’s blood count.
4. A lab analyst calculates the hematocrit level in a whole blood specimen to assess a patient’s hydration status.
5. A clinician orders a hematocrit test to monitor a patient’s response to treatment for anemia.
6. A lab analyst performs a hematocrit test to investigate a patient’s elevated red blood cell count.
7. A clinician orders a hematocrit test to evaluate a patient’s blood count before a surgical procedure.
8. A lab analyst calculates the hematocrit level in a whole blood specimen to assess a patient’s response to iron supplementation.
9. A clinician orders a hematocrit test to investigate a patient’s symptoms of fatigue and weakness.
10. A lab analyst performs a hematocrit test to assess a patient’s blood count during a routine check-up.