Learn the correct CPT coding for reporting a basic metabolic panel that includes total calcium and an electrolyte panel, based on official CPT guidelines for organ or disease-oriented panels.
Table of Contents
Question
A physician orders a basic metabolic panel which includes total calcium and an electrolyte panel.
Applying CPT® guidelines for Organ or Disease-Oriented Panels, what CPT® coding is reported?
A. 80047
B. 80048
C. 80047, 80051
D. 80048, 80051
Answer
A. 80047
Explanation
According to the CPT guidelines for Organ or Disease-Oriented Panels, a Basic Metabolic Panel (80047) already includes the following tests:
- Calcium, total
- Carbon dioxide
- Chloride
- Creatinine
- Glucose
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
An Electrolyte Panel (80051) includes:
- Carbon dioxide
- Chloride
- Potassium
- Sodium
Since the Basic Metabolic Panel ordered by the physician already contains all the components of the Electrolyte Panel plus some additional tests, only code 80047 should be reported. Reporting both 80047 and 80051 would be duplicative based on the CPT panel coding guidelines.
The other listed options would be incorrect:
- 80048 is the code for a Basic Metabolic Panel with Calcium, Ionized
- Reporting 80047 and 80051 together would be inappropriate unbundling of the panel components
- Reporting 80048 and 80051 would be incorrect as ionized calcium was not specified in the physician’s order
Therefore, the correct code to report for a basic metabolic panel that includes total calcium and the electrolyte panel components is simply 80047. Following coding guidelines for organ or disease-oriented panels ensures accurate coding and avoids issues like unbundling or duplicative code assignment.
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