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The CPT® Code 85008 refers to a specific laboratory procedure known as a blood count that includes a blood smear and a microscopic examination without a manual differential white blood cell (WBC) count. This procedure is essential for evaluating the characteristics of blood cells, particularly when there are indications of abnormalities. A blood smear involves spreading a thin layer of blood on a microscope slide, which is then stained and examined under a microscope by a trained technician. This examination allows for the identification of immature or abnormal blood cells that may not be detected through automated blood tests alone. The procedure is typically indicated when an automated test suggests the presence of irregularities in blood cell production or morphology, such as in cases of anemia or other hematological conditions. It is important to note that while this code does not include a manual differential WBC count, which is a more detailed analysis of the different types of white blood cells, it still provides valuable information regarding the overall health of the blood. A blood sample for this procedure is obtained through a venipuncture, which is a separate reportable service. The technician's examination focuses on identifying any significant deviations in the blood cell population, which can aid in diagnosing various medical conditions.
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The blood smear procedure represented by CPT® Code 85008 is indicated for several clinical scenarios where a detailed examination of blood cells is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® Code 85008 involves several key steps that ensure the accurate preparation and examination of the blood smear. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the blood smear procedure is completed, the technician will document the findings from the microscopic examination. The results may indicate the presence of abnormal cells or other hematological conditions that require further evaluation or intervention. It is important for the physician to review these results in conjunction with other laboratory tests and clinical findings to make informed decisions regarding patient care. There are typically no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient, but they may be advised to monitor for any signs of complications related to the venipuncture site, such as excessive bleeding or infection.
| Short Descr | BL SMEAR W/O DIFF WBC COUNT | Medium Descr | BLD COUNT SMEAR MCRSCP W/O MNL DIFRNTL WBC COUNT | Long Descr | Blood count; blood smear, microscopic examination without 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 |
| 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. | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | 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. | 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 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. | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | 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 | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter |
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Notes
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| 2003-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 1993-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1993. |
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