The “Spotlight on CPT” is shining on the Pathology and Laboratory section of CPT this month. In particular, we are going to be looking at organ or disease-oriented panels. These panels, in the code range 80047-80076, were developed for coding purposes. As one can see by examining the panels, one code is covering multiple tests, which allows for a simpler, faster reporting of the group of tests. It is important to note that the panels were not designed to be viewed as clinical parameters.
When a panel of tests is ordered, for example an electrolyte panel (CPT code 80051), all the components of the panel must be performed. This will include carbon dioxide, chloride, potassium, and sodium tests. Additional tests, as ordered, may be separately reported. So, if the electrolyte panel and a glucose test were ordered, then codes 80051 (electrolyte panel) and 82947 (glucose) should both be reported.
It is inappropriate to report two or more panel codes which have overlapping constituent tests. For example, the tests that incorporate a basic metabolic panel (BMP) 80048 are found in the comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) 80053. It would be appropriate to only assign 80053 for the CMP if both are ordered. This applies when the tests ordered are from the same patient draw.
Similarly, if the group of tests that are ordered overlap panels, report the panel that houses the greater number of tests. In the previous example we see that all of the tests in 80048 are the same as in 80053. However, 80047 which is a BMP with a different type of calcium (ionized rather that total) still should not be coded with 80053, but in addition to the CMP code, code 82330 for the ionized calcium could be added. This is because that is the only test in the BMP calcium, ionized panel that is different from the CMP.
Remember, when individual tests are ordered, if they meet the defined components for a panel, only the panel code should be assigned.
Now, light has been shed on organ and disease-oriented panels.
About the Author
Dianna Foley, RHIA, CCS, CHPS, CDIP, is
OHIMA's Education Coordinator. Dianna has been an HIM
professional for over 20 years. She progressed through the ranks of coder,
department supervisor, and department director, to her current role as a
coding consultant. She previously served as the program director for Medical Coding and HIT at Eastern Gateway Community College. Dianna earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati and holds RHIA, CHPS, CDIP and CCS certifications. She is an AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer and is a presenter on coding topics at the national, state, and regional levels. Dianna mentors new AHIMA members and also provides monthly educational lectures to coders and clinical documentation specialists.
