CPT® Code 80048 is used to report a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), a commonly ordered laboratory test panel that measures key biomarkers related to metabolism, kidney function, electrolyte balance, and glucose levels. The BMP helps providers assess overall metabolic status, monitor chronic conditions, and detect potential medical issues such as kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, and diabetes.
This code represents a panel of multiple laboratory tests performed together and reported as a single CPT code.
Key Facts About CPT® 80048
Service type: Laboratory test panel
Provider type: Physicians and qualified healthcare professionals who order laboratory testing
Medical services included: Yes—multiple laboratory analyte measurements reported as a panel
Number of tests included: 8 laboratory tests
Analytes included in the BMP:
- Glucose
- Calcium
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Carbon dioxide (bicarbonate)
- Chloride
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- Creatinine
Common clinical indications:
- Evaluation of kidney function
- Monitoring diabetes or blood glucose levels
- Assessment of electrolyte imbalances
- Routine preventive health screening
- Monitoring patients on medications affecting kidney function or electrolytes
- Evaluation of dehydration or metabolic disorders
When to Use CPT® 80048
CPT 80048 is appropriate when:
- All 8 required BMP components are ordered and performed as a panel
- The test is medically necessary for diagnosis, monitoring, or preventive care
- The provider needs to evaluate metabolic function, kidney function, or electrolyte status
- The laboratory performs and reports the panel as a single grouped service
Examples:
- Routine laboratory testing during an annual preventive visit
- Monitoring kidney function in a patient with hypertension
- Evaluating electrolyte balance in a patient with dehydration
- Monitoring glucose and kidney function in a patient with diabetes
- Assessing metabolic status before or during medication therapy
Documentation Requirements
To support CPT 80048 billing, documentation should include:
- Patient identifiers and date of service
- Provider order for the Basic Metabolic Panel
- Clinical indication or medical necessity for the test
- Laboratory results for all included analytes
- Ordering provider name and credentials
- Laboratory performing the test
Complete documentation supports medical necessity, accurate billing, and continuity of care.
Reimbursement and Coding Considerations
- CPT 80048 is reimbursed as a panel, not as individual component tests
- All 8 required analytes must be performed to report CPT 80048
- If fewer than all panel components are performed, individual CPT codes must be reported instead
- Coverage may vary depending on diagnosis, medical necessity, and payer policies
- This test is commonly covered for preventive care and chronic disease monitoring
- Verify payer-specific billing and documentation requirements
Proper use of panel coding helps ensure accurate reimbursement and reduces claim denials.
How OptiMantra Supports Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) Services
OptiMantra’s integrated EMR and practice management system streamlines ordering, tracking, and billing for CPT 80048:
With OptiMantra, providers can:
- Order Basic Metabolic Panels directly from the patient chart
- Document clinical indications and link orders to appropriate diagnoses
- Store and track laboratory results in structured, easy-to-review formats
- Monitor trends in kidney function, glucose levels, and electrolytes over time
- Maintain complete, audit-ready laboratory documentation for billing and compliance
By centralizing laboratory ordering and documentation, OptiMantra helps practices improve efficiency, support clinical decision-making, and optimize reimbursement.
Try OptiMantra for free here!
Disclaimer: CPT® codes are maintained by the American Medical Association. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace official coding guidelines or payer policies.
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