2025 CPT code 82803
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Laboratory - Chemistry Procedures Pathology and Laboratory Feed
Blood gas analysis measuring at least two of pH, pCO2, pO2, CO2, HCO3 (including calculated O2 saturation).
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances, such as modifier 59 (distinct procedural service) or modifiers indicating the place of service (e.g., 22, 24, etc.). Always consult your payer's guidelines on appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity for blood gas analysis is established when clinical findings suggest respiratory compromise, acid-base imbalance, or need for oxygenation monitoring, particularly in critical care settings or with suspected conditions like COPD, pneumonia, asthma exacerbation, or cardiac failure.
A qualified laboratory technician or medical technologist is responsible for specimen collection (if performed by the laboratory), analysis, and interpretation of blood gas results.Reporting the results to the ordering physician is also a key responsibility.
In simple words: This lab test checks your blood for levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acid to see how well your lungs and body are working.A small blood sample is taken and analyzed using a special machine.
This CPT code encompasses the analysis of arterial or venous blood to quantify at least two of the following analytes: pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), total carbon dioxide (CO2), and bicarbonate (HCO3).The test often includes the calculated oxygen saturation (O2 saturation).The procedure involves collecting a blood sample (usually arterial for optimal accuracy), analyzing it using a blood gas analyzer, and interpreting the results to assess respiratory function, acid-base balance, and overall metabolic state.Venous blood gas analysis may also be utilized in specific clinical situations, although results may differ from arterial values.
Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency department with shortness of breath. An arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis (CPT 82803) is ordered to assess their oxygenation status, acid-base balance, and identify potential respiratory or metabolic abnormalities., A critically ill patient in the intensive care unit (ICU) requires continuous monitoring of their blood gases. Repeated ABG analyses are performed using CPT 82803 to guide ventilator management and assess the effectiveness of respiratory support., A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoes regular pulmonary function testing, which may include serial ABG analyses (CPT 82803) to evaluate the effectiveness of their medication and monitor disease progression.
** Accurate interpretation of blood gas results requires careful consideration of the patient's clinical presentation, other laboratory data, and the source of the blood sample (arterial or venous).Differences in values between arterial and venous blood gas measurements must be considered for appropriate clinical interpretation.
- Revenue Code: T1H (LAB TESTS - OTHER (NON-MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE))
- RVU: This information is payer-specific and varies widely by region and contract. RVUs are not consistently available in publicly accessible databases. Check your specific payer's fee schedule for accurate values.
- Global Days: Not applicable. This is a laboratory test, not a surgical procedure.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Technical component (TC) modifiers are not directly applicable as the code inherently includes the technical aspect of blood gas analysis. However, Professional component modifiers may apply for professional interpretation of results.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule information varies by payer and is not consistently available in public databases. Consult your payer's historical fee schedules and relevant documentation for accurate data.
- Specialties:Pulmonology, critical care medicine, emergency medicine, and other specialties involved in the management of respiratory and metabolic disorders.
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Office, Urgent Care Facility