HCPCS G0306: Complete CBC with Automated WBC Differential

HCPCS Level II code G0306 represents an automated complete blood count (CBC) that includes hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell and white blood cell measurements (without platelet count) plus an automated white blood cell differential. As a common diagnostic hematology panel, it is widely used in outpatient and clinical laboratory settings for initial evaluation of infections, hematologic disorders and routine monitoring of medical conditions. Nationally, this code matters because CBCs are among the most frequently ordered laboratory tests and drive utilization, payment and quality-measure workflows across payers.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of what G0306 represents clinically, where the service is typically performed and which major payers reimburse for the procedure. The publication summarizes benchmark considerations, coding context and areas where policy updates or payer coverage language can affect billing for automated CBC with differential. It also provides clinical context to help billing and compliance teams understand how this laboratory panel fits into common diagnostic pathways.

Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, related codes, and service-line level details.

Billing Code Overview

HCPCS Level II code G0306 describes a complete CBC, automated (Hgb, Hct, RBC, WBC, without platelet count) and automated WBC differential count. This service is a laboratory diagnostic hematology test that provides an automated panel measuring red and white blood cell parameters and a differential to classify white blood cell types.

Service type: Laboratory diagnostic hematology panel

Typical site of service: Clinical laboratory or outpatient laboratory draw site, including hospital outpatient laboratories and independent diagnostic laboratories.

Clinical Context

A 68-year-old male with a history of chronic anemia and new onset fatigue presents to an outpatient laboratory order placed by his primary care provider. The clinician orders a complete CBC with automated analysis of hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC, WBC (without platelet count) and an automated WBC differential to evaluate for causes of anemia and leukocyte abnormalities. The patient presents to a freestanding clinical laboratory or hospital outpatient phlebotomy draw station. Blood is collected by phlebotomy staff, labeled, and sent to the automated hematology analyzer. Results are reviewed by the ordering clinician and documented in the electronic medical record; abnormal findings prompt further evaluation such as iron studies, reticulocyte count, peripheral smear, or hematology referral. Typical sites of service include outpatient laboratory, physician office with on-site lab, hospital outpatient lab, or ambulatory surgery center when part of pre-procedure testing.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`00`	Default — no modifier	Use when no specific modifier applies and service is submitted as standard.
`11`	Normal, routine service	Use to indicate a routine, medically necessary laboratory service when payer requires this distinction.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207Q00000X	Family Medicine	Primary care clinicians commonly order CBC testing.
207R00000X	Internal Medicine	Internists frequently order and interpret hematology panels.
207K00000X	Emergency Medicine	ED providers order CBCs for acute presentations.
2080P0002X	Clinical Pathology	Pathologists and laboratory medicine specialists oversee testing quality and interpretation.
2085R0208X	Hematology	Hematologists manage interpretation and follow-up for abnormal CBC/differential results.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`D50.9`	Iron deficiency anemia, unspecified	Common indication to obtain CBC and differential to evaluate anemia severity.
`D64.9`	Anemia, unspecified	General reason for CBC testing when etiology not yet established.
`R53.83`	Other fatigue	Nonspecific symptom leading to CBC to assess for anemia or infection.
`R50.9`	Fever, unspecified	CBC with differential is commonly ordered when infection is suspected.
`R73.9`	Hyperglycemia, unspecified	Metabolic disturbance that may be evaluated concurrently with CBC in outpatient workup.
`C91.10`	Chronic lymphocytic leukemia of unspecified cell type not having achieved remission	Hematologic malignancies often prompt CBC with automated differential for monitoring and diagnosis.
`D69.9`	Hemorrhagic condition, unspecified	Bleeding disorders or active bleeding often necessitate CBC testing for hemoglobin evaluation.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`80053`	Comprehensive metabolic panel; blood chemistry tests performed together	Often ordered concurrently to assess metabolic contributors to anemia or systemic illness.
`85025`	Blood count; complete (CBC) automated, with auto differential WBC count	Clinical equivalent CPT frequently used for full CBC with platelets; may be ordered alongside or instead depending on payer coding rules.
`85014`	Blood count; Hemoglobin or Hematocrit only	May be ordered when only hemoglobin/hematocrit monitoring is required instead of full panel.
`85018`	Blood count; Hemoglobin; quantitative, automated	Alternative single-parameter test sometimes used for monitoring anemia.
`88184`	Cytopathology, slide review by pathologist, per specimen	May be used when automated differential prompts a manual peripheral smear review by pathology.

OpenPayer

Summary & Overview