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Official Description

Blood count; blood smear, microscopic examination with manual differential WBC count

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 85007 refers to a specific laboratory procedure known as a blood count that includes a blood smear and a microscopic examination with a manual differential white blood cell (WBC) count. This procedure is essential for evaluating the composition of blood, particularly in identifying abnormalities in blood cells. A blood smear involves spreading a thin layer of blood on a microscope slide, which is then stained to enhance the visibility of the cells. The microscopic examination allows for the assessment of the morphology of blood cells, which can reveal critical information about a patient's health status. Typically, a blood smear is performed following an automated blood test that suggests the presence of abnormal or immature blood cells. It may also be indicated when a physician suspects a hematological condition, such as anemia, which affects blood cell production. The process begins with obtaining a blood sample through a venipuncture, which is a separate reportable procedure. Once the blood sample is collected, a technician prepares the smear and examines it under a microscope, focusing on identifying immature or abnormal cells. In the context of CPT® Code 85007, the procedure includes a manual differential WBC count, where the technician meticulously examines and counts the five distinct types of white blood cells: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Each type of WBC has unique characteristics and functions, and their relative proportions can provide valuable insights into a patient's immune response and overall health. For instance, neutrophils are the most abundant WBCs in healthy adults, while eosinophils and basophils are typically present in smaller percentages and can indicate specific conditions when elevated. Monocytes and lymphocytes play crucial roles in the immune system, with lymphocytes being responsible for antibody production. Overall, this procedure is a vital diagnostic tool in clinical practice, aiding in the detection and management of various medical conditions.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 85007 is indicated for various clinical scenarios where a detailed analysis of blood cells is necessary. The following conditions or symptoms may warrant the performance of this blood smear with a manual differential WBC count:

  • Abnormal Blood Test Results A blood smear is often performed following automated blood tests that indicate the presence of abnormal or immature blood cells, necessitating further examination.
  • Suspected Anemia When a physician suspects anemia, which is a condition characterized by a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells, a blood smear can help assess the underlying causes.
  • Infection The procedure may be indicated in cases of suspected infection, as the differential WBC count can provide insights into the type of infection present based on the WBC response.
  • Hematological Disorders Conditions affecting blood cell production, such as leukemias or other blood disorders, may require a blood smear for accurate diagnosis and monitoring.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 85007 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate results. The following outlines the procedural steps involved:

  • Step 1: Blood Sample Collection The process begins with the collection of a blood sample from the patient, typically through a venipuncture. This step is crucial as it provides the necessary specimen for the blood smear and subsequent analysis.
  • Step 2: Preparation of the Blood Smear Once the blood sample is obtained, a technician prepares a blood smear by placing a small drop of blood on a microscope slide. The blood is then spread evenly across the slide to create a thin layer, which is essential for proper microscopic examination.
  • Step 3: Staining the Smear After the smear is prepared, it is stained using specific dyes that enhance the visibility of the blood cells. This staining process is vital for differentiating between the various types of cells present in the blood.
  • Step 4: Microscopic Examination The stained smear is then examined under a microscope by a trained technician. During this examination, the technician looks for immature or abnormal cells, assessing their morphology and quantity.
  • Step 5: Manual Differential WBC Count In accordance with CPT® Code 85007, the technician performs a manual differential WBC count. This involves counting and categorizing each of the five types of white blood cells: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Each type is identified based on its unique characteristics, such as size, shape, and staining properties.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the blood smear and manual differential WBC count, the technician compiles the findings into a report. This report includes the total WBC count and the percentages of each type of white blood cell identified. The results are then communicated to the physician, who will interpret the findings in the context of the patient's clinical picture. Depending on the results, further diagnostic testing or treatment may be recommended. It is important for the patient to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results and any necessary next steps in their care.

Short Descr BL SMEAR W/DIFF WBC COUNT
Medium Descr BLOOD COUNT SMEAR MCRSCP W/MNL DIFRNTL WBC COUNT
Long Descr Blood count; blood smear, microscopic examination with manual differential WBC count
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) No
APC Status Indicator Conditionally packaged laboratory tests
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T1D - Lab tests - blood counts
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology
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.
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.
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.
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.
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
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)
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).
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
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
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q4 Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption
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
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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2003-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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