CPT® Code 95800

Sleep study, unattended, simultaneous recording; heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory analysis (eg, by airflow or peripheral arterial tone), and sleep time

The CPT® Code 95800 refers to an unattended sleep study that is conducted using a portable sleep study system, typically in the patient's home or another ambulatory setting. This type of sleep study is increasingly utilized due to the growing backlog at traditional sleep study centers and the significant number of patients who reside far from these facilities. The unattended sleep study captures essential physiological parameters, including heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory analysis, which can be performed through methods such as airflow measurement or peripheral arterial tone (PAT). Unlike comprehensive polysomnography, which is conducted in a sleep center and records a wider array of data, this code is specifically for studies that monitor fewer parameters. The procedure involves the use of portable devices that can assess airflow through two primary types: one that employs a thermal sensor placed on the upper lip and another that utilizes a mask covering the nose and mouth. These devices work in conjunction with heart rate and pulse oximetry data to evaluate any respiratory disturbances that may occur during sleep. The PAT method measures changes in arterial pulsatile volume in the finger, which reflects the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. This technique indirectly identifies apnea events by detecting surges in sympathetic activation that occur at the end of an apnea episode. The setup of the portable device is straightforward; it is programmed to record data as the patient sleeps. If airflow is being measured, a snug-fitting mask is applied, or a thermal sensor is positioned on the upper lip. Additionally, a heart rate monitor and an oximetry device are attached to the patient's finger. In cases where PAT is utilized, a specialized finger device that incorporates the PAT technology along with heart rate and oximetry monitoring is employed. The data collected during the sleep study is then analyzed to provide insights into the patient's sleep patterns and potential disturbances. It is important to use CPT® Code 95800 when sleep time is recorded, and CPT® Code 95801 when sleep time is not measured.