If multiple CBC-related tests with overlapping elements are performed, how should they be counted as unique tests?

If multiple CBC-related tests with overlapping elements are performed, how should they be counted as unique tests?

• A. Each test counts as a separate unique test.
• B. They are not unique and should be counted as a single unique test.
• C. They are ignored for MDM counting.
• D. They must be counted as two unique tests.

Answer: (B)

In MDM you count unique tests, not every individual test order. When several CBC-related tests share the same core lab work, their elements overlap, so they’re not counted as separate unique tests. They’re effectively variations of the same test category. Therefore, multiple CBC-based tests performed in the same encounter should be counted as one unique test. This prevents double‑counting the same lab work. For example, CBC and CBC with differential (and other CBC‑family variants) all revolve around the same core test, so they are treated as a single unique test. If you had truly distinct tests with no overlapping elements, those could count separately, but CBC family tests in overlap are counted as one.

In MDM you count unique tests, not every individual test order. When several CBC-related tests share the same core lab work, their elements overlap, so they’re not counted as separate unique tests. They’re effectively variations of the same test category. Therefore, multiple CBC-based tests performed in the same encounter should be counted as one unique test. This prevents double‑counting the same lab work. For example, CBC and CBC with differential (and other CBC‑family variants) all revolve around the same core test, so they are treated as a single unique test. If you had truly distinct tests with no overlapping elements, those could count separately, but CBC family tests in overlap are counted as one.