Summary & Overview
CPT 85002: Bleeding Time Test, Laboratory
CPT code 85002 designates a laboratory hemostasis test in which a laboratory analyst times how long it takes for bleeding to stop after a standardized incision. Nationally, this code is relevant for diagnostic evaluation of bleeding disorders, preoperative assessment when indicated, and monitoring of patients with suspected platelet function abnormalities. The procedure is performed in clinical or hospital laboratory settings and is billed when the technician performs the technical component of the test.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise account of what the code represents, the typical clinical and service contexts in which it is used, and what to expect in payer coverage discussions. The publication summarizes common billing modifiers and highlights where input data are unavailable.
This summary provides a national-level overview useful for laboratory managers, billing professionals, and clinical teams seeking clarity on coding and clinical context for CPT code 85002. Data not available in the input are identified explicitly in the detailed sections.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 85002 describes a laboratory procedure in which a lab analyst measures the time required for a patient to stop bleeding after a standardized incision is made under controlled conditions. This service is a diagnostic hemostasis test performed by trained laboratory personnel to evaluate bleeding and clotting function.
Service type: Laboratory diagnostic test (hemostasis/bleeding time assay)
Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory setting
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult referred to the clinical laboratory to assess primary hemostasis prior to an elective invasive procedure or because of a bleeding history (easy bruising, epistaxis, prolonged bleeding after minor cuts). The lab receives a physician order for a bleeding time test to evaluate platelet function and vascular integrity. The patient is screened for anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication use and recent dermal lesions. In the procedure suite, a trained phlebotomist or lab technologist performs the standardized incision on the forearm under controlled conditions, starts a timer, and blots the incision at fixed intervals until bleeding stops. The technologist documents start and stop times, sample identifiers, any interruptions, and relevant clinical factors (e.g., medication use, clotting factor therapy). Results are transcribed into the electronic medical record and communicated to the ordering clinician for preoperative planning or diagnostic workup.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing separately for the interpreting physician portion if the lab bills technical and professional components separately. |
TC | Technical component |