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CPT 80051: Electrolyte Panel (Na, K, Cl, CO2)
CPT code 80051 denotes an electrolyte panel that includes measurement of carbon dioxide, chloride, potassium, and sodium. This commonly ordered laboratory panel is integral to routine medical evaluation, inpatient monitoring, and acute care decision-making because it informs electrolyte management and acid–base assessment across many clinical settings. Nationally, the code underpins frequent laboratory utilization and billing for basic metabolic evaluation.
Key payers covered in this overview include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of what the code represents, typical sites of service, and which payers are included in the analysis. The publication summarizes billing context, common modifiers (listed separately), and how the service fits into clinical workflows.
This report provides a practical reference for billing and coding staff, revenue cycle teams, and clinicians seeking clarity on the clinical scope of CPT code 80051. It highlights where the electrolyte panel is used clinically, what components must be reported, and what to expect in payer coverage and claims processing at a national level. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 80051 represents an electrolyte panel in which a laboratory analyst measures carbon dioxide, chloride, potassium, and sodium. This panel is a basic clinical chemistry service focused on assessing a patient’s electrolyte balance and acid-base status.
Service Type: Clinical laboratory test — electrolyte panel
Typical Site of Service: Clinical laboratory or hospital outpatient laboratory
National Reimbursement Benchmarks
National commercial rates for CPT 80051 center on a BUCA average commercial rate of $24.70, with individual payer patterns that show meaningful variation. Blue Cross Blue Shield’s middle range sits notably higher than UnitedHealth Group and Cigna, while Aetna exhibits extreme high-end outliers that push its mean well above other payers. UnitedHealth Group and Cigna have lower central tendencies, and Blue Cross Blue Shield is intermediate.
Examining dispersion using the interquartile spread (P75−P25) highlights which payers are tightest or widest: Blue Cross Blue Shield’s IQR is $11.00 ($33.00−$22.00), Cigna’s is $5.40 ($10.00−$4.60), UnitedHealth Group’s is $3.90 ($7.00−$3.10), BUCA’s is $8.90 ($22.50−$13.60), and Aetna’s is $4.30 ($8.40−$4.10). Blue Cross Blue Shield shows the widest IQR while UnitedHealth Group is the tightest among these payers.