How To Use CPT Code 82805

CPT 82805 describes the measurement of various blood gas parameters, including pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3, and O2 saturation, using a blood gas analyzer. 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 82805?

CPT 82805 can be used to describe the measurement of blood gas parameters using a blood gas analyzer. This test includes the direct measurement of oxygen saturation (O2 saturation) and at least two other parameters, such as pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, and HCO3. It is important to note that this procedure cannot be performed using pulse oximetry.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 82805 is: ‘Gases, blood, any combination of pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3 (including calculated O2 saturation); with O2 saturation, by direct measurement, except pulse oximetry.’

3. Procedure

1. The lab analyst collects a blood sample, usually from an artery, to perform the blood gas analysis.
2. The blood sample is then analyzed using a blood gas analyzer, which measures and calculates the various parameters, including pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3, and O2 saturation.
3. The test must include the direct measurement of O2 saturation, and at least two other parameters must be measured.
4. The lab analyst records the results of the blood gas analysis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 82805 is typically ordered by clinicians to evaluate lung function, determine acid/base balance, assess kidney and heart failure, and evaluate various other body conditions where monitoring blood gases and electrolytes is critical. It is important to note that this procedure cannot be performed using pulse oximetry.

5. When to use CPT code 82805

CPT code 82805 should be used when a blood gas analysis is performed using a blood gas analyzer, and it includes the direct measurement of O2 saturation and at least two other parameters, such as pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, and HCO3. This code should not be used for blood gas analysis performed using pulse oximetry.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 82805, the documentation should include:

• Indication for the blood gas analysis
• Results of the blood gas analysis, including the measured parameters and O2 saturation
• Methodology used for the blood gas analysis
• Signature of the lab analyst performing the analysis

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 82805, ensure that the blood gas analysis is performed using a blood gas analyzer and includes the direct measurement of O2 saturation and at least two other parameters. This procedure should not be reported if pulse oximetry is used. It is important to note that some payers may separately reimburse for the collection of the blood specimen using a different code, such as 36600 for arterial puncture.

8. Historical information

CPT 82805 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with respiratory distress undergoes a blood gas analysis using a blood gas analyzer, which measures pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3, and O2 saturation.
2. A patient with suspected acid/base imbalance has a blood gas analysis performed, measuring pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3, and O2 saturation.
3. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoes a blood gas analysis to assess their lung function, measuring pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3, and O2 saturation.
4. A patient with heart failure has a blood gas analysis performed to evaluate their condition, measuring pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3, and O2 saturation.
5. A patient undergoing surgery has a blood gas analysis performed to monitor their oxygenation and acid/base balance, measuring pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3, and O2 saturation.
6. A patient with kidney failure undergoes a blood gas analysis to assess their acid/base balance, measuring pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3, and O2 saturation.