How To Use CPT Code 85048

CPT 85048 describes the automated evaluation of a patient’s white blood cell count 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 85048?

CPT 85048 can be used to describe the automated evaluation of a patient’s white blood cell count by a lab analyst. This code is used when the lab analyst examines a sample of the patient’s blood on a slide and uses an automated system to determine the number of white blood cells present.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 85048 is: ‘Blood count; leukocyte (WBC), automated.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst smears the patient’s blood on a slide.
2. The lab analyst stains the slide.
3. The lab analyst places the slide on a specially-designed apparatus that counts the number of white blood cells.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 85048 is used when clinicians order an automated white blood cell count to determine if the patient’s count is normal or abnormal. This test can help identify conditions such as bone marrow cancer, deficiency or autoimmune disorders (if the count is lower than normal), or infections, anemia, or inflammatory diseases (if the count is higher than normal).

5. When to use CPT code 85048

CPT code 85048 should be used when a lab analyst performs an automated white blood cell count as part of a complete blood count (CBC). It should not be reported in addition to a CBC code such as 85025 or 85027 if the lab analyst performs the more comprehensive test.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 85048, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Patient’s name and identification number
• Date and time of the test
• Results of the automated white blood cell count
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 85048, ensure that the test is performed by a lab analyst using an automated system. Do not report CPT 85048 in addition to a CBC code if the lab analyst performs the more comprehensive test. Some payers may pay separately for collecting the specimen using a code such as 36415 for venipuncture.

8. Historical information

CPT 85048 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was later changed on January 1, 2003 to its current description.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performing an automated white blood cell count for a patient to determine if their count is within the normal range.
2. A clinician ordering an automated white blood cell count to investigate a patient’s symptoms of fatigue and recurrent infections.
3. A lab analyst using an automated system to count the number of white blood cells in a patient’s blood sample to monitor their response to chemotherapy.
4. A clinician ordering an automated white blood cell count to assess a patient’s immune system function before a surgical procedure.
5. A lab analyst performing an automated white blood cell count to evaluate a patient’s response to treatment for an autoimmune disorder.
6. A clinician ordering an automated white blood cell count to monitor a patient’s recovery from an infection.
7. A lab analyst using an automated system to count the number of white blood cells in a patient’s blood sample to diagnose a potential bone marrow disorder.
8. A clinician ordering an automated white blood cell count to assess a patient’s immune system function after a course of immunosuppressive therapy.
9. A lab analyst performing an automated white blood cell count to investigate a patient’s persistent fever and elevated inflammatory markers.
10. A clinician ordering an automated white blood cell count to monitor a patient’s response to treatment for a chronic inflammatory disease.