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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesHematology and Coagulation ProceduresCPT cpt-85013-microhematocrit-test-laboratory-diagnostic
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    CPT 85013: Microhematocrit Test by Tube Centrifugation

    CPT code 85013 describes a microhematocrit test in which a lab analyst fills a heparinized glass or plastic tube, seals one end, centrifuges the tube, and reads the packed cell volume on a microhematocrit reader; this is a laboratory diagnostic procedure typically performed in a clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory setting using point-of-care or central lab centrifugation and manual reading techniques.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Hematology - Adzynma, Tumor Treating Fields for Pancreatic Cancer, Axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta®) coverage.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical patient is a 65-year-old man admitted to an inpatient medical ward for evaluation of anemia and shortness of breath. The clinician orders a microhematocrit to quickly assess packed cell volume at the bedside. A phlebotomy technician or laboratory analyst collects a capillary or venous blood specimen into a heparinized microhematocrit tube, seals one end with clay or sealant, and places the tube in a microhematocrit centrifuge. After centrifugation (typically 3–5 minutes at high speed), the analyst reads the packed red cell column using a microhematocrit reader and documents the percent hematocrit in the laboratory information system.

    Typical workflow steps:

    • Provider order placed in the electronic medical record for a microhematocrit (85013).

    • Phlebotomy or bedside nurse collects sample using heparinized microcapillary tube and seals tube.

    • Lab analyst centrifuges tubes and reads hematocrit on a microhematocrit reader.

    • Result reported as percent packed cell volume; values used for immediate clinical decisions such as transfusion threshold, anticoagulation adjustments, or further laboratory workup.

    Typical site of service: hospital inpatient ward, emergency department, outpatient clinic laboratory, or bedside point-of-care setting.

    Typical patient scenario: urgent assessment of anemia in the ED or rapid pre-transfusion hematocrit check on a medical-surgical floor prior to blood product administration.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    85014Erythrocyte sedimentation rate by automated methodOften ordered alongside microhematocrit in anemia or inflammatory evaluations; different hematology test performed in the lab.

    85025 | Blood count; automated (RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, WBC, platelet, and RBC indices) | Comprehensive CBC often performed before or after a microhematocrit; provides automated hematocrit and additional parameters.

    36415 | Collection of venous blood by venipuncture | Specimen collection code commonly billed when venous blood is drawn for microhematocrit or accompanying tests.

    99000 | Handling and/or conveyance of specimen | Ancillary service sometimes used by facilities for processing or transport of lab specimens (facility-specific billing practices).

    82947 | Glucose; quantitative, blood (except reagent strip) | Point-of-care or stat laboratory tests frequently ordered concurrently in emergency or preoperative evaluations.

    Related Modifiers

    8 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    90Modifier ‑90 (Reference/Outside Laboratory) indicates that a laboratory test was performed by an entity other than the treating or reporting provider. The American Medical Association defines…- Use CPT modifier -90 when a laboratory test is performed by an outside/reference laboratory (an entity other than the treating or reporting physician or qualified professional) and the claim needs…
    91Modifier 91 — “Repeat Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Test” — is appended when the exact same CPT laboratory test is performed more than once for the same patient on the same day because serial,…- Use modifier 91 when the exact same CPT laboratory test is performed more than once on the same patient on the same date because serial or repeated testing is medically necessary to monitor…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    76Modifier -76, Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional, is appended when the same provider performs an identical, medically necessary procedure or…- Use modifier -76 when the same physician or other qualified health care professional performs an identical procedure or service a second (or subsequent) time on the same date of service and the…
    77Modifier 77 indicates that a previously performed procedure or service was legitimately repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional. The AMA’s CPT definition…- Use modifier 77 when a basic procedure or service already performed is repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional (for example, a second provider independently…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207P00000X
    390200000X
    208D00000X
    207L00000X
    207SG0203X
    2081P2900X
    224Y00000X
    364SH1100X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    26 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    B20Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease
    D50.9Iron deficiency anemia, unspecified
    D51.0Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to intrinsic factor deficiency
    D52.9Folate deficiency anemia, unspecified
    D63.1Anemia in chronic kidney disease
    D64.9Anemia, unspecified
    D65Disseminated intravascular coagulation [defibrination syndrome]
    D66Hereditary factor VIII deficiency
    D68.9Coagulation defect, unspecified
    E86.0Dehydration

    Showing 1–10 of 26

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Hematology/Oncology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Hematology - AdzynmaCigna2026-10-15
    Tumor Treating Fields for Pancreatic Cancerselect_health2026-10-01
    Axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta®) coverageBaylor Scott & White Health Plan2026-10-01
    Electric Tumor Treatment Field Therapy (for Kentucky Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-10-01
    Electric Tumor Treatment Field Therapy (for Kansas Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-10-01
    Electric Tumor Treatment Field Therapy (for Idaho Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-10-01
    Brexucabtagene autoleucel (Tecartus) CoverageBaylor Scott & White Health Plan2026-10-01
    Electric Tumor Treatment Field Therapy (for Pennsylvania Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-10-01
    Epithelial Cell Cytology in Breast Cancer Risk AssessmentOscar Health2026-10-01
    Factor VIII ProductsCigna2026-09-15

    Related Codes

    CPT-85002-BLEEDING-TIME-TEST-LABORATORY

    CPT 85002: Bleeding Time Test, Technical Component

    CPT-85004-AUTOMATED-DIFFERENTIAL-WHITE-BLOOD-CELL-COUNT

    CPT 85004: Automated White Blood Cell Differential

    CPT-85007-MANUAL-DIFFERENTIAL-WHITE-BLOOD-CELL-COUNT

    CPT 85007: Manual Differential White Blood Cell Count

    CPT-85008-BLOOD-SMEAR-MORPHOLOGIC-REVIEW-NO-DIFFERENTIAL

    CPT 85008: Microscopic Blood Smear Examination, No Differential

    CPT-85009-MANUAL-WBC-COUNT-BUFFY-COAT

    CPT 85009: Manual White Blood Cell Count Using Buffy Coat

    CPT-85014-HEMATOCRIT-VOLUME-PERCENT-RED-BLOOD-CELLS

    CPT 85014: Hematocrit (Volume Percent of Red Blood Cells)

    CPT-85018-HEMOGLOBIN-ASSAY-WHOLE-BLOOD

    CPT 85018: Hemoglobin Measurement in Whole Blood

    CPT-85025-COMPLETE-BLOOD-COUNT-CBC

    CPT 85025: Complete Blood Count (CBC)

    CPT-85027-COMPLETE-BLOOD-COUNT-HGB-HCT

    CPT 85027: Complete Blood Count with Hemoglobin and Hematocrit

    CPT-85032-MANUAL-DIFFERENTIAL-BLOOD-SMEAR-COUNT

    CPT 85032: Manual Differential/Visual Cell Count

    Showing 1–10 of 99

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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