AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) — Question 41

A physician orders a basic metabolic panel which includes total calcium and an electrolyte panel.
Applying CPT® guidelines for Organ or Disease-Oriented Panels, what CPT® coding is reported?

Answer options

• A. 80047
• B. 80048
• C. 80047, 80051
• D. 80048, 80051

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is D because the basic metabolic panel includes the electrolyte panel (CPT® code 80048) along with total calcium (CPT® code 80051). Options A and C do not include the appropriate combination for both total calcium and the electrolyte panel, while B only accounts for the electrolyte panel without the total calcium.