Question

what panel code would be reported for testing of carbon dioxide (bicarbonate), chloride, potassium and sodium?

a) cpt code: 80100
b) cpt code: 80051
c) cpt code: 80044
d) cpt code: 75051

Explanation:

Identify the components of the requested laboratory panel

The question asks for the CPT panel code that includes testing for:

• Carbon dioxide (bicarbonate)
• Chloride
• Potassium
• Sodium

Match the components to CPT panel definitions

• CPT code 80051 represents the Electrolyte Panel, which must include:
• Carbon dioxide (bicarbonate) (82374)
• Chloride (82435)
• Potassium (84132)
• Sodium (84295)
• Other options represent different services:
• 80100 is an obsolete drug screen code.
• 80044 is not a valid standard organ-oriented panel code (80048 is the Basic Metabolic Panel).
• 75051 is a radiology-related code range.

Answer:

• A) CPT code: 80100
• B) CPT code: 80051 (Correct answer)
• C) CPT code: 80044
• D) CPT code: 75051