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The CPT® Code 82075 refers to the procedure for measuring alcohol (ethanol) levels in breath samples. Ethanol is classified as a central nervous system depressant, and its levels are often assessed to document prior consumption or administration of the substance. The breath test associated with this code is specifically designed to measure the concentration of exhaled alcohol, which can provide an indication of blood alcohol content (BAC). This correlation is possible because ethanol, once absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, is not digested or chemically altered in the bloodstream. Instead, it diffuses from the pulmonary arterial blood into the alveoli of the lungs, where it can be measured. Various methods can be employed to determine the alcohol concentration in the alveoli, including chemical analysis, infrared spectroscopy, or the use of fuel cell technology. This procedure is distinct from other testing methods, such as those described in CPT® Code 82077, which involves testing other types of specimens like saliva, blood, or vitreous humor for alcohol levels using different techniques, including immunoassay and enzymatic methods.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 82075 is indicated for the assessment of alcohol (ethanol) levels in individuals suspected of having consumed alcohol. This may include situations where there is a need to document prior alcohol consumption, such as in cases of suspected driving under the influence, workplace testing, or medical evaluations where alcohol use may impact treatment decisions.
The procedure for CPT® Code 82075 involves several key steps to accurately measure the alcohol levels in a breath sample. First, the individual being tested is instructed to provide a breath sample, which is typically collected using a breathalyzer device designed for this purpose. The device captures the exhaled air, which contains ethanol that has diffused from the bloodstream into the alveoli of the lungs. Once the breath sample is collected, the device employs one of several methods to analyze the alcohol concentration. These methods may include chemical analysis, infrared spectroscopy, or fuel cell technology, each of which is capable of quantifying the amount of ethanol present in the breath sample. The results are then displayed, providing an estimate of the individual's blood alcohol content (BAC) based on the concentration of alcohol detected in the alveolar air.
After the breath test is completed, the individual may receive immediate feedback regarding their alcohol levels, depending on the device used. In cases where the test is part of a legal or medical evaluation, further actions may be required based on the results. If the breath test indicates a high level of alcohol, it may lead to additional testing or interventions, such as a more comprehensive blood alcohol analysis or medical assessment. It is important for individuals to be aware of the implications of their test results, especially in legal contexts, and to follow any necessary guidelines or recommendations provided by healthcare professionals or legal authorities.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF BREATH ETHANOL | Medium Descr | ASSAY OF ALCOHOL (ETHANOL) BREATH | Long Descr | Alcohol (ethanol); breath | Status Code | Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | CLIA Waived (QW) | No | APC Status Indicator | Conditionally packaged laboratory tests | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology |
| SA | Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician | 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. | 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. | 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. | 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. | CG | Policy criteria applied | ET | Emergency services | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GE | This service has been performed by a resident without the presence of a teaching physician under the primary care exception | U7 | Medicaid level of care 7, as defined by each state |
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| 2021-01-01 | Changed | Code changed. |
| 2015-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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