How To Use CPT Code 85060

CPT 85060 describes the interpretation and written report of a peripheral blood smear examination by a physician. 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 85060?

CPT 85060 can be used to describe the interpretation and written report of a peripheral blood smear examination by a physician. This code is used when a clinical pathologist examines a peripheral blood smear prepared on a glass slide and provides an analysis of the size, shape, maturity, frequency, and abnormalities of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other features present. The physician then interprets the findings and provides a written report of the examination.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 85060 is: ‘Blood smear, peripheral, interpretation by physician with written report.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician receives a peripheral blood smear prepared on a glass slide.
2. The physician examines the smear, analyzing the size, shape, maturity, frequency, and abnormalities of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other features present.
3. The physician interprets the findings and provides a written report of the examination.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 85060 is performed by a physician, typically a clinical pathologist, who reviews and interprets peripheral blood smears. The examination is performed to assess the morphology and abnormalities of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other features present. The physician must provide a written report of the examination.

5. When to use CPT code 85060

CPT code 85060 should be used when a physician performs the interpretation and provides a written report of a peripheral blood smear examination. This code is specific to the examination of peripheral blood smears and should not be used for other types of blood tests or examinations.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 85060, the physician must document the following information:

• Peripheral blood smear examination
• Analysis of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other features present
• Interpretation of findings
• Written report of the examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 85060, ensure that the service is performed by a physician and includes the interpretation and written report of a peripheral blood smear examination. This code should not be reported with other codes unless specifically indicated by payer policies. It is important to check the specific payer policy to determine the coverage and reimbursement guidelines for CPT 85060.

8. Historical information

CPT 85060 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A clinical pathologist examines a peripheral blood smear and provides a written report indicating the presence of abnormal red blood cells, suggesting the possibility of anemia.
2. A physician reviews a peripheral blood smear and identifies abnormal white blood cells, indicating a potential infection or leukemia.
3. A clinical pathologist analyzes a peripheral blood smear and observes decreased platelet count, suggesting a potential bleeding disorder.
4. A physician examines a peripheral blood smear and identifies immature red blood cells, indicating a possible bone marrow disorder.
5. A clinical pathologist reviews a peripheral blood smear and provides a written report indicating the presence of abnormal cell morphology, suggesting a potential hematological disorder.
6. A physician analyzes a peripheral blood smear and identifies abnormal white blood cell distribution, indicating a potential immune system disorder.
7. A clinical pathologist examines a peripheral blood smear and observes abnormal platelet clumping, suggesting a potential platelet function disorder.
8. A physician reviews a peripheral blood smear and identifies abnormal cell shape, indicating a potential red blood cell disorder.
9. A clinical pathologist analyzes a peripheral blood smear and provides a written report indicating the presence of abnormal cell aggregates, suggesting a potential blood clotting disorder.
10. A physician examines a peripheral blood smear and identifies abnormal cell size, indicating a potential red blood cell disorder.