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85044 Manual reticulocyte count

Pathology & Lab

Also known as: manual reticulocyte count, retic count manual

Manual enumeration of reticulocytes (immature red blood cells) using supravital staining and microscopy to quantify young RBC production and assess bone marrow erythropoietic response.

In Plain Language

young red blood cell count; manual reticulocyte test

Clinical Context

Assesses bone marrow red cell production in anemia workup; elevated reticulocytes indicate appropriate marrow response, while low levels suggest bone marrow failure.

RVU Information

CPT 85044 does not have a physician work RVU assigned by CMS. Reimbursement for this code is determined by payer-specific fee schedules.

Billing & Documentation

Lab and pathology codes require an order from the treating provider with clinical indication. For molecular pathology and genetic testing, document the specific analytes tested and clinical rationale.

How This Code Compares

This code has a work RVU of 0.00, meaning it does not have a physician work component assigned by CMS. In the Pathology & Lab category, 94% of codes share this characteristic.

Specialties

Clinical PathologyHematologyInternal Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPT code 85044?

CPT 85044 (Manual reticulocyte count) is a Pathology & Lab code. Manual enumeration of reticulocytes (immature red blood cells) using supravital staining and microscopy to quantify young RBC production and assess bone marrow erythropoietic response.

Who uses CPT code 85044?

CPT 85044 is used by Clinical Pathology, Hematology, Internal Medicine. Assesses bone marrow red cell production in anemia workup; elevated reticulocytes indicate appropriate marrow response, while low levels suggest bone marrow failure.

When is CPT 85044 used?

Assesses bone marrow red cell production in anemia workup; elevated reticulocytes indicate appropriate marrow response, while low levels suggest bone marrow failure.

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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.