Lab · CPT 85025

What is CPT code 85025?

Complete blood count (CBC) with differential.

By Justin Feldstein · Reviewed 2026-06-15

What it covers

A common blood test that counts your red cells, white cells, and platelets, and then breaks the white cells down into their types. It's the standard screen for infection, anemia, and overall blood health. The count and the white-cell breakdown are bundled into this one code. Because it is one of the most frequently ordered blood tests in medicine, a CBC shows up on a large share of bills, often grouped with other routine labs drawn from the same sample.

When you'd see it

Ordered routinely alongside other lab work, during a physical, or when you're feeling run down or fighting something off.

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) rides along, and it's frequently paired with a metabolic panel (80048 or 80053).

85025 vs 85027

The 85027 version skips the white-cell-type breakdown, so billing both for the same draw double-counts the shared count. See 85027 (CBC without differential).

What to watch for

Make sure this isn't billed alongside its own components or the simpler CBC (85027) for the same draw — that overlap is worth questioning.

Specific things to question

• Billed together with a CBC-without-differential (85027) for the same draw, which overlaps.
• The panel and a separately-billed platelet or white-cell count both charged.
• Charged twice for a single specimen.

How to check this charge on your own bill

Find 85025 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.