How To Use CPT Code 94452

CPT 94452 describes the high altitude simulation test (HAST) procedure, which involves the patient breathing a low oxygen mixture while the provider monitors their oxyhemoglobin saturations. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 94452?

CPT 94452 is used to describe the high altitude simulation test (HAST) procedure. During this test, the patient breathes a low oxygen mixture while the provider monitors their oxyhemoglobin saturations. The purpose of the test is to simulate breathing at high altitude and assess the patient’s response to low oxygen levels.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 94452 is: ‘High altitude simulation test (HAST), with interpretation and report by a physician or other qualified health care professional.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider places an airtight mask over the patient’s face.
2. The patient breathes a low oxygen mixture, typically around 15% oxygen, for a period of 15 minutes.
3. The provider monitors the patient’s oxyhemoglobin saturation levels throughout the test.
4. The provider analyzes the results and creates a report.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 94452 is used when a high altitude simulation test is performed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. The test is typically conducted to assess the patient’s response to low oxygen levels and their ability to adapt to high altitude conditions. It is important to note that CPT 94452 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 94453, 94760, or 94761.

5. When to use CPT code 94452

CPT code 94452 should be used when a high altitude simulation test is performed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. This code is appropriate when the provider conducts the test and provides interpretation and a report of the results.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 94452, the provider must document the following information:

• Details of the high altitude simulation test performed
• Interpretation of the test results
• Creation of a report summarizing the findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 94452, it is important to ensure that the provider performing the test is a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. The test should include interpretation and a report. It should not be reported in conjunction with codes 94453, 94760, or 94761. Additionally, if the test includes supplemental oxygen titration, CPT code 94453 should be used instead.

8. Historical information

CPT 94452 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2005. There have been historical changes to the code, including code changes in 2010 and 2013.

9. Examples

1. A pulmonologist performs a high altitude simulation test on a patient with suspected altitude sickness and provides an interpretation and report of the results.
2. An anesthesiologist conducts a high altitude simulation test on a patient prior to a planned surgery at a high altitude location and documents the findings in a report.
3. A cardiologist performs a high altitude simulation test on a patient with a known heart condition to assess their tolerance to low oxygen levels and provides an interpretation of the results.
4. A primary care physician conducts a high altitude simulation test on a patient who plans to travel to a high altitude destination and provides a report with recommendations for managing potential altitude-related symptoms.
5. A pulmonologist performs a high altitude simulation test on a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to evaluate their respiratory function at high altitudes and documents the findings in a report.
6. An aviation medical examiner conducts a high altitude simulation test on a pilot to assess their ability to tolerate low oxygen levels at high altitudes and provides an interpretation of the results.
7. A sports medicine physician performs a high altitude simulation test on an athlete to evaluate their performance at high altitudes and provides a report with recommendations for altitude training.
8. A military healthcare provider conducts a high altitude simulation test on a soldier to assess their ability to function at high altitudes and provides an interpretation of the results.
9. An emergency medicine physician performs a high altitude simulation test on a patient who experienced altitude sickness during a mountain climbing expedition and provides a report with recommendations for future high altitude activities.
10. A pulmonologist conducts a high altitude simulation test on a patient with suspected sleep apnea to assess their oxygen saturation levels during simulated high altitude conditions and provides an interpretation of the results.