Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
Hemogram
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.
Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
- Ensure Proper Reimbursement for Glucose Monitoring Under Medicares Policies
Reimbursement for blood glucose determinations depends on assigning the proper procedural code based on the [...] - HCFA Suspends Significant Portion of CCI 6.3
HCFA has temporarily suspended many of the edits in version 6.3 of the national Correct [...] - Reader Question:
Biopsy
Question: How should we code when a biopsy is submitted initially for frozen section or [...] - Reader Question:
Fine Needle Aspiration
Question: I performed a fine needle aspiration biopsy on a breast mass (88170). Medicare denied [...] - Reader Question:
Hemogram
Question: What components are included in the term hemogram in the hematology codes 85021-85031?
Tennessee Subscriber
[...] - Reader Question:
Candida Albicans
Question: How should we code the test for Candida albicans when we use a commercial [...] - Reader Question:
Postvasectomy Semen Exam
Question: What is the correct code for a postvasectomy semen exam? All we report is [...]
