2025 CPT code 85032
Manual blood cell count (erythrocyte, leukocyte, or platelet)
Modifiers may be applicable in certain situations, such as modifier 59 (Distinct Procedural Service) if the manual count is performed in addition to an automated CBC for distinct clinical reasons.
Medical necessity for a manual blood cell count must be supported by the patient's clinical condition and the inability of an automated CBC to provide sufficiently detailed information. Specific reasons could include suspected abnormalities in cell morphology or the need for precise counts in certain clinical situations like chemotherapy or leukemia.
The lab analyst performs all technical steps involved in the manual cell count, from preparing and staining the blood smear to examining the slide under a microscope and counting the specified blood cell type.
In simple words: This code represents a manual count of a specific type of blood cell. A lab technician prepares a slide with a sample of your blood, stains it, and then counts the number of a specific type of blood cell under a microscope. This can include red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. Each type of cell counted is reported separately.
The lab analyst manually counts a specific type of blood cell under the microscope on a blood smear slide. The analyst performs all technical steps, from preparing the blood smear to staining and examining it under a microscope to count a specific blood cell type (e.g., red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets). One unit of 85032 represents a manual count of one specific blood cell type.
Example 1: A patient presents with fatigue and pallor. The physician orders a manual red blood cell count (85032) to assess for anemia, in addition to a complete blood count (CBC)., A patient undergoing chemotherapy requires close monitoring of their platelet levels. A manual platelet count (85032) is performed to provide a precise measurement, supplementing the automated count in the CBC., A patient with suspected leukemia requires a detailed white blood cell analysis. A manual white blood cell count (85032), along with a differential, is performed for accurate assessment of the different white blood cell types.
Documentation should include the specific type of blood cell counted (RBC, WBC, or platelet), the reason for the manual count, and any relevant clinical findings.
- Revenue Code: T1D
- Specialties:Hematology, Oncology, Internal Medicine, General Practice
- Place of Service:Independent Laboratory, Hospital Laboratory, Physician Office Laboratory