Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Establish 'no platelet' reporting alternatives, too.When your lab runs an ordered 85025 (Blood count; complete [CBC], automated [Hgb, Hct, RBC, WBC and platelet count] and automated differential WBC count), it's not uncommon to obtain differential parameters that require an additional manual diff.But that doesn't mean you should add 85007 (Blood count; blood smear, microscopic examination with manual differential WBC count) to your billing. Let our experts show you how to solve this and other sticky CBC coding dilemmas with the following guidance.Distinguish With/Without DifferentialCPT® provides more than 85025 for CBC coding -- you might also choose 85027 (... complete [CBC], automated [Hgb, Hct, RBC, WBC and platelet count]) when your lab performs a CBC without an automated differential. What if the physician orders a CBC with manual differential? That's when you should report 85027 plus 85007.Beware reflex: Sometimes, the physician orders a CBC with automated diff (85025), which the lab performs, [...]