How To Use CPT Code 85045

CPT 85045 describes the automated determination of the reticulocyte count in a blood sample. 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 85045?

CPT 85045 can be used to describe the automated process of determining the reticulocyte count in a blood sample. This code is used when a lab analyst uses an automated hematology analyzer to count the number of reticulocytes per 1000 red blood cells and reports the count as a percentage.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 85045 is: ‘Blood count; reticulocyte, automated.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst smears blood on a slide and stains it.
2. The slide is placed on a specially-designed apparatus that counts the number of reticulocytes per 1000 red blood cells.
3. The count is reported as a percentage, which is the reticulocyte count.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 85045 is typically ordered by clinicians to evaluate certain types of anemia, bone marrow activity, or other disease states such as cancer. It is not limited to testing for a specific condition.

5. When to use CPT code 85045

CPT code 85045 should be used when an automated hematology analyzer is used to determine the reticulocyte count in a blood sample. It is important to note that if the lab analyst performs a manual reticulocyte count or determines additional cellular parameters, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 85045, the documentation should include:

• Indication for the test, such as the evaluation of anemia or bone marrow activity
• Details of the automated process used to determine the reticulocyte count
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the reticulocyte count reported as a percentage

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 85045, ensure that the test was performed using an automated hematology analyzer. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for the collection of the blood specimen using a different code.

8. Historical information

CPT 85045 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has undergone changes in its description over the years, with the most recent change occurring on January 1, 2003.

9. Examples

1. A clinician orders a reticulocyte count to evaluate the bone marrow activity of a patient with suspected leukemia.
2. A patient with severe anemia undergoes a reticulocyte count to determine the cause of their condition.
3. A cancer patient receives regular reticulocyte counts to monitor their bone marrow function during chemotherapy.
4. A clinician orders a reticulocyte count to assess the effectiveness of a patient’s iron supplementation therapy.
5. A patient with sickle cell disease undergoes a reticulocyte count to monitor their red blood cell production.
6. A clinician orders a reticulocyte count to evaluate the bone marrow activity of a patient with suspected myelodysplastic syndrome.
7. A patient with chronic kidney disease undergoes a reticulocyte count to assess their erythropoietin response.
8. A clinician orders a reticulocyte count to evaluate the bone marrow activity of a patient with unexplained anemia.
9. A patient with a history of blood loss undergoes a reticulocyte count to assess their red blood cell production.
10. A clinician orders a reticulocyte count to monitor the bone marrow recovery of a patient after a bone marrow transplant.