CPT® Code 94781

Add-On Code

Car seat/bed testing for airway integrity, for infants through 12 months of age, with continual clinical staff observation and continuous recording of pulse oximetry, heart rate and respiratory rate, with interpretation and report; each additional full 30 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

The car seat test for airway integrity, commonly known as the car seat challenge test, is a critical assessment performed on infants up to 12 months of age, particularly focusing on preterm infants before their discharge from the hospital. This procedure is designed to evaluate whether the infant can maintain adequate respiratory function and oxygen saturation levels while seated in a car seat or bed, which mimics the position they will be in during travel. During the test, the infant is securely placed in the car seat or bed, and continuous monitoring is conducted using pulse oximetry, heart rate, and respiratory rate monitors. Clinical staff are present at all times to observe the infant for any signs of compromised airway integrity, which may manifest as episodes of apnea (pauses in breathing), bradycardia (slow heart rate), or desaturation (low oxygen levels). The physician is responsible for interpreting the data collected during the test and providing a comprehensive written report detailing the findings. For billing purposes, the CPT® code 94780 is utilized for the initial 60 minutes of testing, while CPT® code 94781 is designated for each additional full 30 minutes of testing beyond the first hour.