CPT code 78452 refers to a specialized heart scan that helps doctors see how well blood is flowing through the heart. It’s like taking a video of the heart to check its health. CPT 78452 represents “Myocardial perfusion imaging, tomographic (SPECT) (including attenuation correction, qualitative or quantitative wall motion, ejection fraction by first pass or gated technique, additional quantification, when performed); multiple studies, at rest and/or stress (exercise or pharmacologic) and/or redistribution and/or rest reinjection.”
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure involves taking a series of pictures of the heart using a special camera that rotates around the body. The test shows how blood is moving through the heart both when a person is resting and when they are active. It can help reveal how the heart muscles are working and if there’s a reduction in blood flow. The procedure often includes steps like checking movements of the heart walls and measuring how much blood the heart pumps out, which may be done if needed. However, it doesn’t include treatment or fixing any heart problems; it’s only for diagnostic purposes.
Common Names:
- Heart Perfusion Scan
- SPECT Scan for Heart
- Cardiac Stress Test Imaging
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 1.62.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Heart imaging with stress test
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Heart perfusion scan consent
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This test is commonly used for patients who might have heart disease or chest pain. For example, a doctor might order this scan for someone experiencing chest discomfort during exercise or for those with a family history of heart problems, to ensure their heart is working well even under stress.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- I25.10: Represents atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery without angina pectoris, which is a condition where the arteries in the heart become narrowed.
- I20.9: Relates to unspecified angina pectoris, which means chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart, although the exact type of angina is not specified.
- I21.9: Indicates an acute myocardial infarction, unspecified, commonly known as a heart attack where part of the heart doesn’t get enough blood.
Summary
In summary, code 78452 describes a comprehensive heart scan that shows how the heart is functioning during rest and activity. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 78452 include I25.10 (heart disease due to narrowed arteries) and I20.9 (chest pain without a specified cause).
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. “CPT” and CPT Codes are registered trademarks of the American Medical Association. HCPCS codes are managed by Medicare and are not subject to copyright.