Summary & Overview
CPT 80048: Basic Metabolic Panel (Calcium, total) Laboratory Test
CPT code 80048 is a widely utilized laboratory billing code for the Basic Metabolic Panel (Calcium, total), a critical test panel in clinical medicine. This panel evaluates essential blood chemistry markers, including calcium, electrolytes, glucose, and kidney function indicators, providing valuable information for diagnosing and monitoring a range of medical conditions. The code is classified under Pathology and Laboratory Procedures and is typically performed in independent laboratory settings.
Major national payers such as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, and UnitedHealthcare recognize and reimburse for CPT code 80048, underscoring its importance in routine and acute patient care. The publication offers readers a comprehensive overview of clinical indications, payer coverage, and policy updates relevant to this code. It also provides context on related laboratory panels and common billing practices, including the use of modifiers and associated provider taxonomies.
Readers will gain insights into national benchmarks, payer policies, and the clinical significance of the Basic Metabolic Panel. The summary includes information on common ICD-10 diagnoses linked to this code, as well as comparisons to related CPT codes for broader laboratory testing. This resource is designed to inform healthcare professionals, billing specialists, and policy analysts about the current landscape for CPT code 80048.
CPT Code Overview
CPT code 80048 represents the Basic Metabolic Panel (Calcium, total), a laboratory test panel that measures key blood chemistry components. This panel includes tests for calcium (total), carbon dioxide, chloride, creatinine, glucose, potassium, sodium, and urea nitrogen (BUN). The service type is Pathology and Laboratory Procedures, and the typical site of service is an Independent Laboratory (POS 81). This panel is commonly used to assess a patient's metabolic status and monitor conditions affecting kidney function, electrolyte balance, and overall health.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient presents to their primary care provider with symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, or confusion. The provider suspects an electrolyte imbalance or renal dysfunction and orders a basic metabolic panel (80048) to evaluate the patient's blood chemistry. The panel is performed at an independent laboratory (Place of Service 81), and includes tests for total calcium, carbon dioxide, chloride, creatinine, glucose, potassium, sodium, and urea nitrogen (BUN). The results assist the provider in diagnosing and managing conditions such as hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypernatremia, or other abnormal blood chemistry findings.
Coding Specifications
- Modifier
26: Indicates the professional component of the laboratory service, typically used when the physician interprets the results but does not perform the technical portion.
| Provider Taxonomy Code | Specialty Name |
|---|---|
291U00000X | Clinical Medical Laboratory |
207Q00000X | Family Medicine Physician |