How To Use CPT Code 89051

CPT 89051 describes the analysis of cell count and differential count in various body fluids, excluding blood. 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 89051?

CPT 89051 can be used to describe the analysis of cell count and differential count in body fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid, joint fluid, pleural fluid, or peritoneal fluid. This code is used when a lab analyst performs the technical steps to evaluate and enumerate cells in the body fluid, including red blood cells and white blood cells. The differential count differentiates the types of white blood cells present in the fluid.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 89051 is: ‘Cell count, miscellaneous body fluids (eg, cerebrospinal fluid, joint fluid), except blood; with differential count.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives a body fluid specimen, such as cerebrospinal fluid, joint fluid, pleural fluid, or peritoneal fluid.
2. The lab analyst evaluates and enumerates cells in the body fluid using manual or automated methods.
3. The lab analyst performs a differential count on the fluid to differentiate the types of white blood cells present.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 89051 is used when a body fluid specimen, excluding blood, requires analysis of cell count and differential count. This test may be ordered if a patient has a fluid collection suspected to be from an infection or cancer. The lab analyst performs all technical steps to complete the analysis.

5. When to use CPT code 89051

CPT code 89051 should be used when a clinician orders the analysis of cell count and differential count in body fluids, excluding blood. It is appropriate when there is a need to evaluate and enumerate cells in the fluid and differentiate the types of white blood cells present. This code should not be used for blood cell counts or for other types of body fluid analyses.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 89051, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Body fluid specimen received for analysis
• Method used for evaluating and enumerating cells
• Differential count results, indicating the types of white blood cells present

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 89051, ensure that the analysis is performed on a body fluid specimen, excluding blood. This code should not be reported with other codes unless there are additional services provided, such as cytopathology or concentration techniques. It is important to accurately report the services provided and follow any specific guidelines from payers.

8. Historical information

CPT 89051 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 lab analyst performs the analysis of cell count and differential count in cerebrospinal fluid to evaluate a patient with suspected meningitis.
2. A body fluid specimen is received for analysis, and the lab analyst performs the evaluation and enumeration of cells, as well as a differential count, to assist in the diagnosis of a joint infection.
3. The lab analyst analyzes pleural fluid to determine the presence and types of white blood cells, aiding in the diagnosis of a lung infection.
4. A peritoneal fluid specimen is evaluated by the lab analyst, who performs a cell count and differential count to assess for the presence of cancer cells.
5. The lab analyst performs the analysis of cell count and differential count in cerebrospinal fluid to assist in the diagnosis of a central nervous system disorder.
6. An analysis of joint fluid is conducted by the lab analyst, who evaluates the cell count and performs a differential count to aid in the diagnosis of a rheumatologic condition.
7. The lab analyst analyzes pleural fluid to determine the presence and types of white blood cells, assisting in the diagnosis of a pulmonary disease.
8. A peritoneal fluid specimen is received for analysis, and the lab analyst performs the evaluation and enumeration of cells, as well as a differential count, to assess for the presence of infection.
9. The lab analyst performs the analysis of cell count and differential count in cerebrospinal fluid to aid in the diagnosis of a neurological disorder.
10. An analysis of joint fluid is conducted by the lab analyst, who evaluates the cell count and performs a differential count to assist in the diagnosis of an inflammatory condition.