2025 CPT code 88740
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Pathology and Laboratory - In Vivo (e.g., Transcutaneous) Laboratory Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Quantitative transcutaneous measurement of carboxyhemoglobin, performed once per day.
Modifiers may be applicable to this code. Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity for this code is established when there is a clinical suspicion of carbon monoxide poisoning or a need to monitor carboxyhemoglobin levels.
The analyst performs the test by applying a sensor to the patient’s fingertip.
- Pathology and Laboratory
- Pathology and Laboratory Procedures > In Vivo (eg, Transcutaneous) Laboratory Procedures
In simple words: This test measures the level of carbon monoxide in your blood using a sensor placed on your finger. It's a quick and painless way to check for carbon monoxide poisoning.
This code represents a quantitative, noninvasive, spectrophotometric measurement of carboxyhemoglobin. It involves placing a sensor on the patient's fingertip to measure multiple wavelengths of light transmitted through the skin. This test is commonly used to evaluate carbon monoxide poisoning.
Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency room with symptoms suggestive of carbon monoxide poisoning (e.g., headache, dizziness, nausea). Code 88740 is used for the transcutaneous carboxyhemoglobin measurement to quickly assess the level of carbon monoxide in their blood., A firefighter is exposed to smoke during a fire. As part of their post-exposure evaluation, code 88740 is used to monitor their carboxyhemoglobin levels., A patient with a history of carbon monoxide exposure is being monitored during hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Code 88740 is used to track the effectiveness of the treatment in reducing carboxyhemoglobin levels.
Documentation should include the reason for the test, the method used, and the results obtained. Any symptoms or signs of carbon monoxide poisoning should also be documented.
- Revenue Code: T1H - LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Occupational Medicine, Critical Care Medicine
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Mobile Unit, Inpatient Hospital