Wiki LABS ordered relating to MDM

[carriewgwaltney@aol.com]

Is it true that if a lab panel say CBC which has different CPT codes pertaining to that one panel, we are able to count each CPT code individually to go towards MDM?

 

[amyjph]

No, the panel is single. This is in the definitions in CPT.
Example: https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/cpt-corrections-errata-2021.pdf

Test: Tests are imaging, laboratory, psychometric, or physiologic data. A clinical laboratory panel (eg, basic metabolic panel [80047]) is a single test. The differentiation between single or multiple unique tests is defined in accordance with the CPT code set. For the purposes of data reviewed and analyzed, pulse oximetry is not a test. Unique: A unique test is defined by the CPT code set. When multiple results of the same unique test (eg, serial blood glucose values) are compared during an E/M service, count it as one unique test. Tests that have overlapping elements are not unique, even if they are identified with distinct CPT codes. For example, a CBC with differential would incorporate the set of hemoglobin, CBC without differential, and platelet count. A unique source is defined as a physician or qualified heath careprofessional in a distinct group or different specialty or subspecialty, or a unique entity. Review of all materials from any unique source counts as one element toward MDM.