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An automated red blood cell (RBC) count, represented by CPT® Code 85041, is a laboratory procedure that quantifies the number of red blood cells present in a specific volume of blood. This test is crucial for assessing the overall health of an individual, as it can indicate various medical conditions based on the levels of RBCs detected. A decrease in RBC count may suggest anemia, which can arise from numerous factors such as nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, or blood loss. Conversely, an increase in RBC count may indicate conditions such as polycythemia, where there is an overproduction of red blood cells. The automated nature of this test allows for rapid and accurate results, making it a valuable tool in both routine health screenings and more targeted evaluations. The RBC count is often performed prior to surgical procedures to ensure that the patient has adequate blood levels for safe operation. Additionally, it is utilized in monitoring patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as these treatments can significantly impact blood cell production. Furthermore, the RBC count is essential in managing patients with bleeding disorders or chronic anemia, as it helps healthcare providers evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing treatments and make necessary adjustments.
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Automated red blood cell (RBC) counts are performed for several specific indications, which include the following:
The procedure for conducting an automated red blood cell (RBC) count involves several key steps, which are outlined below:
After the automated red blood cell (RBC) count procedure, there are generally no specific post-procedure care requirements for the patient, as the test is minimally invasive. Patients may resume their normal activities immediately following the blood draw. However, it is important for healthcare providers to review the results of the RBC count in conjunction with other clinical findings and patient history to determine any necessary follow-up actions or treatments. If the RBC count indicates abnormal levels, further diagnostic testing or interventions may be warranted to address any underlying health issues.
| Short Descr | AUTOMATED RBC COUNT | Medium Descr | BLOOD COUNT RED BLOOD CELL AUTOMATED | Long Descr | Blood count; red blood cell (RBC), automated | 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. | Q4 | Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemption | 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. | 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. | AY | Item or service furnished to an esrd patient that is not for the treatment of esrd | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | KX | Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | 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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