How To Use CPT Code 82803

CPT 82803 describes the analysis of blood gases, including pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3, and calculated O2 saturation. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 82803?

CPT 82803 can be used to describe the analysis of blood gases, which includes measuring the levels of pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3, and calculated O2 saturation. This code is used when a lab analyst performs a blood gas analysis using arterial blood to assess respiratory status and acid-base balance in the blood.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82803 is: ‘Gases, blood, any combination of pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3 (including calculated O2 saturation).’ This code is used when two or more of the listed analytes are measured.

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst receives an arterial blood specimen, typically obtained through arterial puncture or withdrawal from an arterial catheter.
2. The analyst inserts the blood sample into a blood gas analyzer, which measures the levels of pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, and calculates HCO3 and O2 saturation.
3. The blood gas analyzer uses specific electrodes to directly measure pH, pCO2, and pO2.
4. The analyst verifies that the blood sample is arterial and not venous, as blood gas values vary depending on the blood source.
5. The results of the blood gas analysis provide information about respiratory condition, organ function, metabolic status, and other conditions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82803 is used when the lab analyst measures two or more of the listed analytes, including pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3, and calculated O2 saturation. This code is not limited to testing for a specific condition and can be ordered by clinicians to evaluate respiratory condition, organ function, metabolic status, or other conditions.

5. When to use CPT code 82803

CPT code 82803 should be used when the lab analyst measures two or more of the listed analytes, including pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3, and calculated O2 saturation. This code is appropriate for blood gas analysis using arterial blood samples.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82803, the lab analyst must document the following information:

• Details of the blood sample, including whether it was obtained through arterial puncture or withdrawal from an arterial catheter
• Specific analytes measured, including pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3, and calculated O2 saturation
• Results of the blood gas analysis
• Interpretation of the results and any additional findings
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82803, ensure that the lab analyst measures two or more of the listed analytes. This code should not be reported with other codes for blood gas analysis, such as arterial puncture or withdrawal of blood for diagnosis. Some payers may provide separate reimbursement for drawing the blood sample.

8. Historical information

CPT 82803 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was later changed on January 1, 2010 to include the specific analytes measured.

9. Examples

1. A lab analyst performs a blood gas analysis on an arterial blood sample, measuring pH, pCO2, and pO2.
2. Using arterial blood, the lab analyst measures pH, pCO2, CO2, and calculated O2 saturation in a blood gas analysis.
3. During a blood gas analysis, the lab analyst measures pCO2, pO2, HCO3, and calculated O2 saturation using arterial blood.
4. A patient’s arterial blood sample is analyzed by a lab analyst, measuring pH, CO2, HCO3, and calculated O2 saturation in a blood gas analysis.
5. Using arterial blood, the lab analyst measures pCO2, pO2, CO2, and HCO3 in a blood gas analysis.
6. A blood gas analysis is performed on an arterial blood sample, measuring pH, pCO2, pO2, and calculated O2 saturation.
7. The lab analyst analyzes an arterial blood sample, measuring pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, and calculated O2 saturation in a blood gas analysis.
8. During a blood gas analysis, the lab analyst measures pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3, and calculated O2 saturation using arterial blood.
9. A patient’s arterial blood sample is analyzed by a lab analyst, measuring pH, pCO2, CO2, and calculated O2 saturation in a blood gas analysis.