Summary & Overview
CPT 82810: Direct Measurement of Blood Oxygen Saturation
CPT code 82810 represents the direct laboratory measurement of arterial oxygen saturation (sO2) using methods other than pulse oximetry, typically performed as part of an arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. This code captures a clinically important diagnostic test that informs oxygen therapy and acute respiratory management. Nationally, measurement of sO2 by blood gas analyzers remains a core diagnostic tool in emergency, inpatient, and perioperative care.
Key payers included in the overview are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find concise guidance on the clinical context for CPT code 82810, typical sites of service, and common payer coverage considerations. The publication outlines benchmarks and utilization patterns where available, summarizes relevant policy and billing considerations, and explains how the test fits into care pathways for patients with hypoxemia, respiratory failure, or perioperative monitoring needs.
This analysis focuses on national applicability and clinical utility rather than state-level specifics. Data not available in the input are noted where applicable. The content equips billing staff, clinicians, and policy analysts with a clear, practice-oriented summary of CPT code 82810 and its role in measuring arterial oxygen saturation.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 82810 describes the direct measurement of oxygen saturation (sO2) in blood by a method other than pulse oximetry. The procedure is commonly performed as part of an arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, where an arterial blood sample is inserted into a blood gas analyzer to measure the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen. Clinicians use sO2 to assess oxygenation status and to inform decisions about supplemental oxygen and respiratory management.
Service Type: Laboratory diagnostic test (arterial blood gas / blood gas analysis)
Typical Site of Service: Hospital laboratory, inpatient or emergency department settings, and outpatient hospital-based lab or ambulatory surgical center when ABG collection is indicated.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 68-year-old male with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents to the emergency department with acute shortness of breath and hypoxemia after a recent COPD exacerbation at home. Vital signs show tachypnea and oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry of 86% on room air. The treating team requests arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis to directly measure arterial oxygen saturation, partial pressures, pH, and CO2 to guide supplemental oxygen and ventilatory support decisions. A respiratory therapist or bedside clinician performs arterial puncture or obtains a sample from an indwelling arterial line, the sample is delivered to the laboratory analyzer, and an analyst runs the specimen on a blood gas analyzer that reports measured O2 saturation. Results document measured arterial O2 saturation (sO2), PaO2, PaCO2, and pH, and are used to adjust oxygen delivery, consider noninvasive or invasive ventilation, and monitor response to therapy. Typical sites of service include the emergency department, inpatient unit, or intensive care unit. The service is documented with specimen source, time of draw, analyzer used, and the direct measured O2 saturation value.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when reporting only the professional interpretation component if the facility bills the technical component separately. |