Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Question: Our lab received an order for blood electrolytes potassium, sodium, total calcium, chloride, magnesium, and phosphate. Can we report one of the panel codes that includes most of these tests, such as the basic metabolic panel?

Texas Subscriber

Answer: No, you should not report the basic metabolic panel or any other panel code that includes more tests than your lab performs.

None of the CPT^® listed panels contain the exact blood tests requested by the physician in your case. For instance, 80051 (Electrolyte panel; This panel must include the following: Carbon dioxide [bicarbonate] [82374]; Chloride [82435]; Potassium [84132]; Sodium [84295]) includes chloride, potassium, and sodium, but it also includes carbon dioxide, which the physician didn’t order.

Regarding the panels, CPT^® states, “These panels were developed for coding purposes only and should not be interpreted as clinical parameters.” If the ordering physician requests a group of tests not identified by a panel code, based on the patient’s specific clinical condition, you should code each ordered test.

For the case you describe, report the following codes:

• 84132 (Potassium; serum, plasma or whole blood)
• 84295 (Sodium; serum, plasma or whole blood)
• 82310 (Calcium; total)
• 82435 (Chloride; blood)
• 83735 (Magnesium)
• 84100 (Phosphorus inorganic (phosphate)).