Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Oxygen uptake, expired gas analysis; rest and exercise, direct, simple

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 94680 refers to a specific pulmonary function test that measures oxygen uptake through expired gas analysis during both rest and exercise. This procedure is essential for evaluating how effectively the lungs are able to absorb oxygen during different states of physical activity. The test begins with the patient at rest, where they inhale room air through a one-way valve and exhale into an airtight container. This setup allows for the collection of expired gases, which are then analyzed using an electronic gas analyzer. The analysis focuses on determining the concentrations of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the exhaled air. Following the initial assessment at rest, the procedure is repeated while the patient is exercising, enabling a comparison of the relative concentrations of O2 and CO2 between the two states. The results of this analysis are crucial for physicians, who will compile a written report detailing the findings, which can inform further clinical decisions regarding the patient's respiratory health. This code is distinct from related codes such as 94681, which includes additional measurements, and 94690, which involves indirect methods of assessing oxygen uptake.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 94680 is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of pulmonary function is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the use of this test:

  • Assessment of Respiratory Function This test is performed to evaluate how well the lungs are functioning in terms of oxygen uptake during both rest and exercise.
  • Diagnosis of Pulmonary Disorders It aids in diagnosing conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and other respiratory illnesses that may affect gas exchange.
  • Preoperative Evaluation The procedure may be indicated as part of a preoperative assessment to determine a patient's respiratory capacity before undergoing surgery.
  • Exercise Tolerance Testing It is used to assess a patient's exercise tolerance and the physiological response of the respiratory system to physical activity.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 94680 involves several key steps that are performed in a structured manner to ensure accurate measurement of oxygen uptake. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Preparation The patient is prepared for the test by ensuring they are in a comfortable setting and are informed about the procedure. It is important that the patient is at rest initially to obtain baseline measurements.
  • Step 2: Resting Measurement The patient breathes in room air through a one-way valve, which prevents the inhalation of any external air during the measurement. The patient then exhales into an airtight container, where the expired gases are collected for analysis.
  • Step 3: Gas Analysis An electronic gas analyzer is used to analyze the collected expired gases. This analysis determines the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide present in the exhaled air, providing critical data on the patient's respiratory function.
  • Step 4: Exercise Measurement After the resting measurements are completed, the patient undergoes a controlled exercise regimen. This may involve activities such as walking on a treadmill or cycling on a stationary bike, depending on the patient's condition and capabilities.
  • Step 5: Repeat Gas Analysis During exercise, the patient continues to breathe through the one-way valve, and expired gases are again collected in the airtight container. The gas analysis is repeated to assess how oxygen uptake changes with physical exertion.
  • Step 6: Reporting Findings After completing both the resting and exercise phases, the physician compiles a written report detailing the findings from the gas analyses. This report includes comparisons of oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations at rest and during exercise, which are essential for evaluating the patient's pulmonary function.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing the CPT® Code 94680 test typically involves monitoring the patient for any immediate reactions to the exercise component of the test. Patients may be advised to rest and hydrate after the procedure, especially if they have engaged in significant physical activity. The physician will review the results of the test with the patient, discussing any implications for their respiratory health and potential next steps in management or treatment based on the findings. It is also important for the physician to ensure that the patient understands the results and any recommended follow-up actions.

Short Descr EXHALED AIR ANALYSIS O2
Medium Descr O2 UPTK EXP GAS ANALYSIS REST&XERS DIRECT SIMP
Long Descr Oxygen uptake, expired gas analysis; rest and exercise, direct, simple
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator STV-Packaged Codes
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T2D - Other tests - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"