CPT® Code 85014 is used to report a hematocrit (Hct) blood test, which measures the percentage of blood volume made up of red blood cells. Hematocrit is commonly used to evaluate anemia, erythrocytosis, hydration status, and other conditions affecting red blood cell levels.
Key Facts About CPT® Code 85014
- Service type: Laboratory blood test
- Test: Hematocrit
- Purpose: Measure the proportion of blood volume composed of red blood cells
- Specimen: Blood
- Common specialties: Primary care, internal medicine, hematology, and other medical specialties
- Provider type: Physician or qualified healthcare professional; testing performed by a clinical laboratory
Common clinical uses:
- Evaluation of suspected anemia
- Assessment of elevated red blood cell levels
- Monitoring blood-related conditions
- Evaluation of hydration status when clinically appropriate
- Follow-up of abnormal blood counts
When to Use CPT® 85014
CPT 85014 may be reported when a hematocrit measurement is performed as a standalone laboratory service or when otherwise separately reportable under applicable coding rules.
Examples:
- A patient is evaluated for symptoms potentially associated with anemia
- Hematocrit is measured to monitor a known blood disorder
- A clinician checks hematocrit as part of an evaluation of abnormal red blood cell levels
When hematocrit is performed as part of a broader complete blood count, the appropriate CBC code may apply instead of separately reporting 85014.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation supporting CPT 85014 should include:
- Patient identifiers and date of service
- Clinical indication for testing
- Relevant symptoms, diagnoses, or abnormal findings
- Hematocrit test performed
- Laboratory result
- Clinical interpretation when applicable
- Provider or laboratory authentication
The record should support the medical necessity of the hematocrit measurement.
Reimbursement and Coding Considerations
- CPT 85014 represents a hematocrit measurement
- It should not generally be separately reported when the hematocrit is already included in another laboratory service being billed
- Coverage and medical-necessity requirements vary by payer
- Additional blood testing may be separately reportable when appropriate and supported
- Practices should verify current payer-specific laboratory billing policies before submitting claims
Accurate documentation of the indication and laboratory result helps support appropriate coding and reimbursement.
How OptiMantra Supports Laboratory Documentation
OptiMantra helps practices organize laboratory results, diagnoses, clinical findings, and treatment plans within the patient's medical record.
With OptiMantra, providers can:
- Document indications for blood testing
- Record hematocrit and other laboratory results
- Review laboratory findings within the patient chart
- Link abnormal findings to diagnoses and treatment plans
- Use customizable chart templates for consistent documentation
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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