Lab · CPT 80048

What is CPT code 80048?

Basic metabolic panel (BMP).

By Justin Feldstein · Reviewed 2026-06-15

What it covers

A bundled blood test that checks eight things at once: blood sugar, kidney markers (creatinine and BUN), and the electrolytes sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and carbon dioxide. It gives a quick read on hydration, kidney function, and chemical balance. The whole group is billed as one panel, not as eight separate tests.

When you'd see it

Common at a routine check-up, before starting certain medications, or when a doctor wants a fast snapshot of your kidneys and electrolytes without the fuller liver workup.

Roughly what it costs

$10–$60 commonly billed

A ballpark on the billed amount. After insurance or a negotiated rate, what you owe is often far lower. Always compare against your Explanation of Benefits (EOB).

What's usually billed with it

The blood draw (36415) typically appears alongside it, and it's often ordered with a CBC (85025).

80048 vs 80053

The comprehensive panel (80053) adds six liver and protein tests to these same eight, so seeing both on one bill for the same draw is worth a question. See 80053 (comprehensive metabolic panel).

What to watch for

If you also see a comprehensive metabolic panel (80053) on the same date, ask why both were billed — the comprehensive one already includes every test in the basic panel.

Specific things to question

• Billed alongside the comprehensive metabolic panel (80053) for the same draw — the CMP already contains everything the BMP does.
• The panel AND its individual chemistries (a separate glucose, sodium, or potassium) both charged.
• Billed more than once for a single blood draw.

How to check this charge on your own bill

Find 80048 on your itemized bill and match it against your EOB. Confirm it appears only once, that any bundled services aren't also billed separately, and that the amount matches what your insurer says it allowed. If something doesn't line up, that's a fair question for the billing office.