CPT code 94761 represents multiple measurements of a patient’s oxygen saturation using a sensor on the ear or finger. This brief point-of-care procedure is commonly used to monitor peripheral oxygenation in acute and outpatient settings, informing immediate clinical decisions about oxygen therapy, respiratory status, and need for escalation of care. Nationally, codes for pulse oximetry like 94761 matter because they capture a frequent, low-complexity clinical activity that influences quality metrics, utilization tracking, and payment for respiratory monitoring services.

Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of what the code represents, the typical sites of service and clinical context, and where to find additional operational details. The publication summarizes benchmarks and policy considerations relevant to billing and documentation for pulse oximetry services, clarifies service definition for coding teams, and highlights common areas where payers may require explicit documentation. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.