Home > All CPT Codes > Pathology > 80048

80048

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

Code Description

CPT code 80048 is used to report a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), a chemistry panel that measures eight laboratory tests used to evaluate electrolyte balance, kidney function, acid-base status, and glucose metabolism. The panel includes calcium, carbon dioxide (bicarbonate), chloride, creatinine, glucose, potassium, sodium, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The panel must include all required components to report CPT 80048.

When to Use 80048

Common examples include:

  • Evaluation of kidney function

  • Electrolyte imbalance

  • Diabetes monitoring

  • Dehydration

  • Hypertension management

  • Hospital admission testing

  • Routine metabolic evaluation

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include:

  • Medical necessity for the laboratory testing

  • Ordering provider

  • Laboratory results for all required components

  • Patient diagnosis or symptoms

  • Date of specimen collection

  • Complete laboratory report

Examples
Example 1

A patient presents with dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. The physician orders a Basic Metabolic Panel to evaluate kidney function, sodium, potassium, glucose, and other essential chemistry values.

Example 2

A patient with hypertension returns for follow-up testing. A Basic Metabolic Panel is performed to monitor renal function and electrolyte levels while taking blood pressure medication.

Common Billing Mistakes

Common billing mistakes include:

  • Reporting 80048 when all required tests were not performed

  • Billing individual chemistry tests separately instead of the panel

  • Reporting duplicate laboratory services

  • Insufficient documentation of medical necessity

  • Incorrect panel selection

Related CPT Codes
80053

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

80061

Lipid Panel

85025

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

FAQ

What does CPT code 80048 cover?

CPT code 80048 reports a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) consisting of eight required chemistry tests used to evaluate kidney function, electrolytes, and glucose metabolism.

What tests are included in a Basic Metabolic Panel?

The panel includes calcium, carbon dioxide, chloride, creatinine, glucose, potassium, sodium, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN).

What is the difference between CPT 80048 and 80053?

CPT 80048 reports a Basic Metabolic Panel with eight laboratory tests, while CPT 80053 reports a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel that includes the BMP components plus additional liver function and protein tests.

Can individual laboratory tests be billed with CPT 80048?

Generally, no. The individual chemistry tests included in the Basic Metabolic Panel should not be billed separately when the complete panel is reported.

Procedure Type

Chemistry Panel

Test Type

Components

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

8 Laboratory Tests