2 code page views remaining today. Guest accounts are limited to 2 daily page views. Register free account to get more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Basic metabolic panel (Calcium, total)
This panel must include the following:

  • Calcium, total (82310)
  • Carbon dioxide (bicarbonate) (82374)
  • Chloride (82435)
  • Creatinine (82565)
  • Glucose (82947)
  • Potassium (84132)
  • Sodium (84295)
  • Urea nitrogen (BUN) (84520)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 80048 refers to a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) that specifically includes the measurement of total calcium levels in the blood. This panel is a comprehensive blood test that evaluates various metabolic functions and provides critical information about a patient's overall health status. The BMP encompasses several key components: total calcium, carbon dioxide (bicarbonate), chloride, creatinine, glucose, potassium, sodium, and urea nitrogen (BUN). Each of these components plays a vital role in assessing metabolic processes and maintaining homeostasis within the body. Total calcium is particularly significant as it reflects both ionized (free) calcium and calcium that is bound to proteins, which is essential for numerous physiological functions, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood coagulation. The other components of the BMP, such as bicarbonate and electrolytes, are crucial for maintaining acid-base balance and fluid regulation. This panel is often utilized to screen for metabolic disorders, monitor existing conditions, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, making it an essential tool in clinical practice.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The Basic Metabolic Panel (CPT® Code 80048) is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of metabolic function is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the use of this panel:

  • Monitoring Renal Function - The BMP helps evaluate kidney function through the measurement of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which are critical for assessing renal health.
  • Electrolyte Imbalances - This panel is useful in identifying imbalances in electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which are essential for maintaining fluid balance and proper cellular function.
  • Metabolic Disorders - The BMP can assist in diagnosing and monitoring metabolic disorders, including diabetes, by measuring glucose levels and assessing the body's metabolic processes.
  • Bone Health Assessment - Total calcium levels are measured to evaluate conditions affecting bone health, such as osteoporosis or hyperparathyroidism.
  • Cardiac Function Evaluation - The panel provides insights into calcium levels, which are crucial for heart function, and can help in assessing cardiac health.

2. Procedure

The procedure for obtaining a Basic Metabolic Panel (CPT® Code 80048) involves several key steps to ensure accurate results. First, a healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from the patient, typically via venipuncture, where a needle is inserted into a vein, usually in the arm. This process is performed using sterile techniques to minimize the risk of infection. Once the blood sample is collected, it is placed in a laboratory tube that may contain specific additives to preserve the integrity of the sample. The sample is then sent to a clinical laboratory for analysis.

  • Sample Preparation - The blood sample is prepared for analysis, which may involve centrifugation to separate the serum from the cellular components of the blood.
  • Laboratory Analysis - The laboratory performs a series of tests to measure the levels of total calcium, carbon dioxide (bicarbonate), chloride, creatinine, glucose, potassium, sodium, and urea nitrogen (BUN). Each component is analyzed using specific biochemical methods to ensure accuracy.
  • Result Compilation - After the analysis is complete, the results are compiled into a report that details the levels of each component measured in the panel.
  • Result Interpretation - The healthcare provider will review the results to interpret the findings in the context of the patient's overall health and any presenting symptoms.

3. Post-Procedure

After the Basic Metabolic Panel is performed, patients may experience minimal discomfort at the venipuncture site, which typically resolves quickly. There are no specific post-procedure care instructions required for patients following this blood test. However, healthcare providers may advise patients to follow up for results and discuss any necessary actions based on the findings. It is essential for patients to communicate any symptoms or concerns they may have during the follow-up appointment, as this can influence further diagnostic or therapeutic decisions.

Short Descr METABOLIC PANEL TOTAL CA
Medium Descr BASIC METABOLIC PANEL CALCIUM TOTAL
Long Descr Basic metabolic panel (Calcium, total) This panel must include the following: Calcium, total (82310) Carbon dioxide (bicarbonate) (82374) Chloride (82435) Creatinine (82565) Glucose (82947) Potassium (84132) Sodium (84295) Urea nitrogen (BUN) (84520)
Status Code Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies)
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
CLIA Waived (QW) Yes
APC Status Indicator Conditionally packaged laboratory tests
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T1B - Lab tests - automated general profiles
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology
QW Clia waived test
90 Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number.
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
AY Item or service furnished to an esrd patient that is not for the treatment of esrd
91 Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient.
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
AG Primary physician
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CG Policy criteria applied
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
CS Cost-sharing waived for specified covid-19 testing-related services that result in and order for or administration of a covid-19 test and/or used for cost-sharing waived preventive services furnished via telehealth in rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers during the covid-19 public health emergency
FA Left hand, thumb
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
PN Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q3 Live kidney donor surgery and related services
Q5 Service furnished under a reciprocal billing arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
QJ Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
TR School-based individualized education program (iep) services provided outside the public school district responsible for the student
U6 Medicaid level of care 6, as defined by each state
X1 Continuous/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians, who provide the principal care for a patient, with no planned endpoint of the relationship; services in this category represent comprehensive care, dealing with the entire scope of patient problems, either directly or in a care coordination role; reporting clinician service examples include, but are not limited to: primary care, and clinicians providing comprehensive care to patients in addition to specialty care
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2009-01-01 Changed Code description changed
2008-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2004-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description