NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What system is used by phlebotomists to classify tests?

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) code

2. International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) code

3. Current procedural technology (CPT) code

4. Bar code

The correct answer is: Current procedural technology (CPT) code

Phlebotomists use the Current Procedural Technology (CPT) code system for classifying tests because it provides a standardized way to describe medical procedures and services. The CPT coding system is maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA) and includes codes that represent various laboratory tests, which allows for efficient billing and reimbursement processes. Each test has a unique code that specifies the nature of the procedure performed, facilitating communication among healthcare providers, insurance companies, and laboratories. The CPT codes enable phlebotomists and other healthcare professionals to accurately document the services provided so that they can be correctly billed. This system is essential in ensuring that there is consistency and clarity in the documentation of medical procedures across different settings. In contrast to the CPT codes, the other systems mentioned serve different purposes; for example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) primarily deals with public health guidelines, while the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) is used for coding diagnoses rather than procedures. Bar codes, though useful for tracking and managing samples, do not classify tests on their own. Hence, the correct classification system for tests in a phlebotomy context is the CPT code.