© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
A manual reticulocyte count is a laboratory procedure that quantifies the number of reticulocytes, which are immature red blood cells (RBCs) that are released from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. These reticulocytes typically circulate in the peripheral blood for a duration of 1 to 2 days before they mature into fully developed red blood cells. The reticulocyte count is a critical diagnostic tool used to assess the bone marrow's response to the body's demand for red blood cells, particularly in situations where there is a suspicion of anemia or other hematological disorders. This test is particularly relevant when routine blood tests indicate a decrease in red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, or hematocrit values. By evaluating the reticulocyte count, healthcare providers can gain insights into the underlying causes of anemia, such as deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate, chronic kidney disease, the effects of chemotherapy, the status of bone marrow transplants, or the response to treatments involving erythropoietin or darbepoetin. The procedure involves obtaining a blood sample, which is then treated with new methylene blue dye to prepare a blood film. This film is subsequently examined under a microscope, where the reticulocytes are counted manually, providing valuable information regarding the patient's erythropoietic activity and overall hematological health.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
Reticulocyte counts are performed under specific clinical circumstances to evaluate the body's production of red blood cells. The following indications are explicitly recognized for conducting a manual reticulocyte count:
The procedure for performing a manual reticulocyte count involves several key steps that ensure accurate measurement of reticulocytes in the blood sample. The following procedural steps are outlined:
After the manual reticulocyte count is completed, the results are analyzed and reported. The expected recovery time for patients undergoing testing is generally minimal, as the procedure is non-invasive and does not require any special post-procedure care. However, healthcare providers may discuss the results with the patient to determine any necessary follow-up actions based on the reticulocyte count findings. It is important to interpret the results in conjunction with other laboratory tests and clinical evaluations to provide a comprehensive assessment of the patient's hematological status.
| Short Descr | MANUAL RETICULOCYTE COUNT | Medium Descr | BLOOD COUNT RETICULOCYTE MANUAL | Long Descr | Blood count; reticulocyte, manual | 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 |
| GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | 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. | 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. | 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). | 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 | 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 | TR | School-based individualized education program (iep) services provided outside the public school district responsible for the student |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2022-01-01 | Note | Medium description changed. |
| 2003-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.