Reader Question:
Hemogram
Published on Thu Mar 01, 2001
Question: What components are included in the term hemogram in the hematology codes 85021-85031?
Tennessee Subscriber
Answer: The term hemogram refers to the following components: white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (Hct) and indices (calculated or measured values). The differences among the codes involve whether the tests are manual or automated, whether some values are measured or calculated, and whether other components are reported (such as platelets or complete blood count, CBC).
A hemogram does not include platelets, but may be performed with the platelets if that is part of the instruments capabilities. Platelets are included in codes 85023-85027. Note that some Medicare carriers will downcode these four codes to 85022 or 85021 for payment if a diagnosis code required for platelets is not present.
No CPT code includes every combination of the various parameters of how a CBC or hemogram is performed.
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