Summary & Overview
CPT 85048: Automated White Blood Cell Count
CPT code 85048 denotes an automated white blood cell (WBC) count performed by a laboratory analyst who reviews a blood sample on a slide and uses automated instrumentation to quantify leukocytes. This basic hematology test is a foundational diagnostic and monitoring tool across inpatient and outpatient settings, supporting care for infections, immune disorders, and hematologic conditions. Nationally, the code matters because WBC counts drive clinical decision-making, laboratory workflow, and routine billing for routine and acute care encounters.
Key payers included in the analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication provides a concise overview of coverage and billing context relevant to those payers, while noting when specific payer data is not available.
Readers will learn the clinical context of the service, typical sites of service, common modifiers reported with the code (overview only), and where to find related coding guidance. The report also outlines benchmarks and policy considerations relevant to laboratory reimbursement and billing compliance at a national level. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 85048 describes a white blood cell count performed by a laboratory analyst who evaluates a blood sample on a slide and uses an automated system to determine the number of white blood cells present. The procedure is a hematology laboratory test that quantifies leukocytes to support diagnosis and monitoring of infections, hematologic disorders, and treatment effects.
Service Type: Laboratory hematology testing
Typical Site of Service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical scenario involves an outpatient or inpatient patient who requires a white blood cell (WBC) count as part of routine evaluation or monitoring. For example, a 56-year-old patient presenting to a hospital laboratory from the emergency department with fever, suspected infection, and fatigue has a venous blood specimen collected to evaluate for leukocytosis or leukopenia. The phlebotomist labels and delivers the specimen to the clinical laboratory. A medical laboratory scientist prepares a peripheral blood smear and places an aliquot into an automated hematology analyzer. The lab analyst visually reviews a slide when indicated and uses the automated system result for the numeric WBC count. Results are reported in the electronic health record to the ordering clinician for diagnosis, treatment decisions, or monitoring of response to therapy.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when only the professional interpretation/component of the test is billed separately from technical component. |
TC | Technical component | Use when only the technical component (instrument, technician) is billed. |