CPT code 78803 refers to a type of medical imaging that helps doctors locate tumors or areas of inflammation in the body using special drugs that emit radiation. CPT 78803 represents “Radiopharmaceutical localization of tumor, inflammatory process or distribution of radiopharmaceutical agent(s) (includes vascular flow and blood pool imaging, when performed); tomographic (SPECT), single area (eg, head, neck, chest, pelvis) or acquisition, single day imaging.”
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure involves using a small amount of a radioactive substance to create pictures of the inside of your body. It’s especially useful in finding tumors or areas of inflammation. The scan can also show how certain substances flow through your blood. The examination is generally focused on a single part of your body, like the head or chest, and is typically done in one day. It’s important to know that this procedure may include images of blood flow and blood pools if needed, but it doesn’t cover the entire body or evaluate multiple days of data.
Common Names:
- SPECT Scan
- Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography
- Radiopharmaceutical Tumor Scan
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 1.09.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Radiopharmaceutical Tumor Localization
- Surgical Consent Form Name: SPECT Imaging for Tumor or Inflammation Detection
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This procedure is often used for patients who may have cancer or other conditions like infections causing inflammation. For example, if someone has a lump, and doctors suspect it could be a tumor, this scan helps confirm its presence and location. It’s also useful when a patient complains of persistent pain, and there’s a need to check for hidden inflammatory areas.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- C34.90: This code is used for an unspecified type of lung cancer in the right lung, meaning doctors know cancer is there, but the specific type isn’t confirmed yet.
- M86.9: This code describes osteomyelitis, an infection in the bone, which can be difficult to diagnose without imaging like a SPECT scan.
- D63.0: This represents anemia in chronic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can involve inflammation in different parts of the body.
Summary
In summary, code 78803 describes a medical imaging technique using radioactive materials to find tumors or inflammation. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 78803 include C34.90 (Unspecified lung cancer) and M86.9 (Osteomyelitis).
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.