Understand CPT Code 85025 and Accurate Lab Test Billing

A professional women work in lab testing on microscope doctor use the CPT Code 85025

Key Takeaways

  • CPT 85025 = CBC with automated differential.
  • Widely used for diagnosis, monitoring, and preventive care.
  • Reimbursable by Medicare & insurers if medically necessary.
  • Requires correct ICD-10 pairing to avoid denials.
  • Often billed with other lab codes for a complete panel.

What is CPT Code 85025?

The CPT code 85025 is used to report a Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Automated Differential. This test evaluates the overall health of a patient’s blood by measuring:

  • Red blood cells (RBCs) – evaluate oxygen-carrying capacity.
  • Hemoglobin & hematocrit – detect anemia or other blood-related issues.
  • White blood cells (WBCs) – identify infections or immune disorders.
  • Platelets – evaluate clotting ability.
  • Differential count – breakdown of white blood cell types (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils).

Why is 85025 CPT Code Used?

Healthcare providers order this test to:

  • Diagnose anemia, infections, or leukemia.
  • Monitor patients on certain medications that affect blood counts.
  • Assess immune system status during chronic disease management.
  • Support preventive care during annual checkups.

Billing and Documentation for 85025

  • Billing: CPT 85025 is billed per test (single unit).
  • Documentation should include:
    • Date of service
    • Reason for ordering (diagnosis code)
    • Method used (automated differential)
  • ICD-10 codes often paired with 85025 include:

Bundling of Lab Codes

When billing CPT code 85025, providers should be aware that it is often bundled with other codes, like:

  • 80050: Includes CBC, metabolic panel, and thyroid function test.
  • 80053: Comprehensive metabolic panel.
  • 84443: Thyroid function test.
  • 81002: Urinalysis, non-automated.

If these tests are conducted simultaneously, insurance providers may need to bill them under a bundle code instead of individually. Failure to follow these rules can result in a decrease in claim denial or reimbursement.

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Reimbursement Insights

  • Medicare and most private payers cover CPT 85025 when medically necessary.
  • Average reimbursement: $8–$15 (varies by region and payer).
  • Commonly performed in hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices.

Compersion Table of Differetn CPT Codes

CPT Code

Description

Includes Differential?

Typical Use

Notes

85025

Complete Blood Count (CBC) with automated differential WBC count

Yes

Detects anemia, infection, leukemia, and overall health monitoring

Most commonly billed CBC code

85027

CBC, automated, without differential

No

Basic blood health check without WBC breakdown

Differential must be ordered separately

85004

Automated differential WBC count only

Yes

Provides WBC breakdown when CBC without diff (85027) is performed

Often paired with 85027

85018

Hemoglobin only

No

Screens for anemia or blood disorders

Limited scope, not full CBC

85014

Hematocrit only

No

Evaluates red blood cell volume

Usually ordered with a hemoglobin test

CPT 85025 is the most comprehensive single code because it includes a CBC plus differential, eliminating the need to bill multiple codes (like 85027 + 85004).

Related CPT & ICD-10 Codes

  • CPT 85004 – Automated differential WBC count
  • CPT 85018 – Hemoglobin test
  • CPT 85027 – CBC without differential
  • ICD-10 for BMP – Z13.89 (screening for other disorders)
  • ICD-10 for CMP – Z13.22 (screening for metabolic disorders)

Final Thoughts

The CPT code 85025 plays an important role in healthcare by providing essential insights into a patient’s blood health. From detecting infections to monitoring chronic conditions, it remains one of the most frequently used and reimbursed lab codes. To avoid claim denials, providers should ensure accurate documentation, ICD-10 linkage, and correct billing practices.

Cures Medical Billing Services specializes in helping healthcare practices maximize reimbursements while staying compliant with 2025 coding guidelines. Contact us today to streamline your lab billing and reduce denials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • 85025 includes a CBC with automated differential,
  • But 85027 is a CBC without differential.

Yes. It’s often billed alongside tests like 85018 (hemoglobin) or 80053 (comprehensive metabolic panel), but documentation must support medical necessity.

Frequency depends on medical necessity. For chronic conditions like anemia or chemotherapy monitoring, it may be billed multiple times a month. For preventive care, usually once per year.

Medicare and most private insurers cover it if linked to an appropriate ICD-10 diagnosis code (e.g., anemia, infection, abnormal labs).

Yes, but providers must ensure proper documentation. The lab test and the E/M visit can be reimbursed separately if billed correctly.

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