How To Use CPT Code 85032

CPT 85032 describes the manual cell count of a specific type of blood cell by a lab analyst. 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 85032?

CPT 85032 can be used to describe the manual cell count performed by a lab analyst on a blood smear slide. This code represents the counting of a specific type of blood cell, such as red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), or platelets.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 85032 is: ‘Blood count; manual cell count (erythrocyte, leukocyte, or platelet) each.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst prepares a blood smear slide and stains it.
2. Under a microscope, the lab analyst examines the slide and manually counts the number of a specific type of blood cell, such as RBCs, WBCs, or platelets.
3. The lab analyst records the count for each specific blood cell type.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 85032 is typically ordered by clinicians when they require a count of a specific blood cell type to aid in the diagnosis of a disease. The test is not limited to any specific condition and can be used for various diagnostic purposes. The lab analyst performing the manual cell count must accurately count the specific blood cell type requested by the clinician.

5. When to use CPT code 85032

CPT code 85032 should be used when a manual cell count of a specific blood cell type is performed by a lab analyst. This code is appropriate when the clinician specifically requests a count of a particular blood cell type, such as RBCs, WBCs, or platelets.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 85032, the documentation should include:

• The specific blood cell type counted (e.g., RBCs, WBCs, or platelets)
• Date of the manual cell count
• Results of the manual cell count
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the count

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 85032, ensure that the manual cell count is performed by a lab analyst. This code should be reported separately for each specific blood cell type counted manually. It is important to note that automated tests, such as complete blood count (CBC) codes 85025 and 85027, should not be reported with CPT 85032. Additionally, some payers may separately reimburse for the collection of the blood specimen using a code such as 36415 for venipuncture.

8. Historical information

CPT 85032 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2003. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst manually counts the number of red blood cells (RBCs) on a blood smear slide.
2. During a manual cell count, the lab analyst counts the number of white blood cells (WBCs) present in a blood sample.
3. A lab analyst performs a manual count of platelets on a blood smear slide.
4. For a patient with suspected anemia, a lab analyst manually counts the number of RBCs to aid in the diagnosis.
5. During a diagnostic workup for a suspected infection, a lab analyst performs a manual count of WBCs to assess the immune response.
6. A lab analyst manually counts the number of platelets to evaluate a patient’s clotting ability.
7. During a follow-up visit for a patient with a known blood disorder, a lab analyst performs a manual cell count to monitor treatment effectiveness.
8. For a patient undergoing chemotherapy, a lab analyst manually counts the number of WBCs to assess the impact of the treatment on the immune system.
9. A lab analyst performs a manual count of RBCs to evaluate a patient’s response to iron supplementation.
10. During a preoperative assessment, a lab analyst manually counts the number of platelets to ensure adequate clotting ability.