Summary & Overview
CPT 83060: Sulfhemoglobin Measurement in Whole Blood
CPT code 83060 represents a laboratory assay that measures sulfhemoglobin in whole blood. Although sulfhemoglobin is uncommon, its presence can cause cyanosis and indicate exposure to certain chemicals or drugs, making this test clinically important for diagnosing unexplained cyanosis and guiding further evaluation. Nationally, accurate coding of this specialized hematology/toxicology test affects lab reporting, clinical workflows, and payer reimbursement practices.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of how 83060 is used in clinical settings, typical sites of service, common billing modifiers associated with laboratory testing, and the expected clinical context for ordering the assay. The publication also highlights benchmarks and payer policy considerations that commonly affect coverage and claim adjudication for specialized blood assays.
This summary provides clinicians, laboratory managers, and billing professionals with concise clinical context and coding clarity for CPT code 83060, enabling consistent documentation and communication with payers about this uncommon but clinically significant test. Data not available in the input will be flagged within detailed sections.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 83060 describes a laboratory measurement of sulfhemoglobin concentration, typically performed on a whole blood sample. Sulfhemoglobin is not normally present in blood; when detected it can be a cause of cyanosis and may prompt further clinical evaluation.
Service Type: Clinical laboratory test – hematology/toxicology assay
Typical Site of Service: Clinical laboratory or hospital laboratory
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 45-year-old adult presents to the emergency department with acute cyanosis, low oxygen saturation readings that do not correct with supplemental oxygen, and history of recent exposure to oxidizing agents or sulfur-containing drugs. The emergency physician orders a venous whole blood test for sulfhemoglobin level (CPT 83060) to evaluate for sulfhemoglobinemia as a cause of refractory cyanosis. A phlebotomy technician collects a whole blood sample, labels it, and transports it to the hospital laboratory. The clinical laboratory analyst performs the sulfhemoglobin assay, documents the result in the laboratory information system, and reports critical or actionable values to the ordering provider. Results are used alongside pulse oximetry, arterial blood gas, co-oximetry (if available), and medication/toxin history to determine etiology and guide management such as discontinuation of offending agents or supportive care.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when billing only the interpretive/professional portion if testing is split between technical and professional billing. |