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The CPT® Code 94681 refers to a specific pulmonary function test that measures oxygen uptake and includes an analysis of expired gases. This procedure is essential for assessing how effectively the lungs are able to take in oxygen during respiration. The test involves the patient inhaling room air through a one-way valve and exhaling into an airtight container, where the expired gases are collected for analysis. The analysis is conducted using an electronic gas analyzer, which determines the concentrations of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the expired air. This process is first performed while the patient is at rest and then repeated during exercise to evaluate the differences in gas exchange under varying levels of physical activity. In addition to measuring oxygen uptake, CPT® Code 94681 includes the determination of CO2 output and the calculation of the percentage of oxygen extracted by the body. This additional data provides a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's respiratory function and efficiency. The results of the test are compiled into a written report by the physician, which outlines the findings and may be used for further clinical decision-making. This procedure is crucial for diagnosing and managing various pulmonary conditions, as it provides insights into the patient's respiratory health and the effectiveness of their lungs in gas exchange.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure associated with CPT® Code 94681 is indicated for various clinical scenarios where assessment of pulmonary function is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this test:
The procedure for CPT® Code 94681 involves several key steps that ensure accurate measurement of oxygen uptake and expired gas analysis. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 94681, patients may be monitored briefly to ensure they recover from any exertion during the exercise phase. There are typically no specific post-procedure care requirements, but patients may be advised to resume normal activities unless otherwise directed by their physician. The results of the test will be reviewed in a follow-up appointment, where the physician will discuss the findings and any necessary next steps in the management of the patient's respiratory condition.
| Short Descr | O2 UPTK EXP GAS ALYS W/CO2 | Medium Descr | O2 UPTK EXP GAS ALYS W/CO2 OUTPUT % O2 XTRC | Long Descr | Oxygen uptake, expired gas analysis; including CO2 output, percentage oxygen extracted | 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. | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | 95 | Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system. | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | 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 |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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