85060 Blood smear interpretation
Also known as: blood smear interpretation, physician review, pathologist review
Microscopic interpretation of peripheral blood smear by pathologist or technologist, assessing cell morphology, identifying abnormal cells, parasites, and providing clinical correlation with laboratory results.
In Plain Language
expert blood smear review; microscopic cell analysis
Clinical Context
Provides expert morphologic diagnosis when automated results abnormal or clinical suspicion high; identifies hematologic malignancies, hemolytic anemia, and parasitic infections.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 0.44 |
| Total RVU | 0.44 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
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
With a work RVU of 0.44, this code ranks in the 34th percentile among Pathology & Lab codes — 1.5x below the median (0.68). The highest wRVU in this category is 2.78.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 85060?
CPT 85060 (Blood smear interpretation) is a Pathology & Lab code. Microscopic interpretation of peripheral blood smear by pathologist or technologist, assessing cell morphology, identifying abnormal cells, parasites, and providing clinical correlation with laboratory results.
Who uses CPT code 85060?
CPT 85060 is used by Clinical Pathology, Hematology, Oncology. Provides expert morphologic diagnosis when automated results abnormal or clinical suspicion high; identifies hematologic malignancies, hemolytic anemia, and parasitic infections.
When is CPT 85060 used?
Provides expert morphologic diagnosis when automated results abnormal or clinical suspicion high; identifies hematologic malignancies, hemolytic anemia, and parasitic infections.
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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.