CPT code 78811 refers to a specialized medical test called a PET scan, which creates detailed images of a specific part of the body, like the chest or head and neck. CPT 78811 represents “Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging; limited area (eg, chest, head/neck).”
Procedure Explanation:
In a PET scan, a small amount of radioactive material is used to highlight areas of the body for imaging. This helps doctors see how organs and tissues are functioning. For code 78811, the scan is focused on just one area, such as the chest or head/neck. This specific code does not include a full-body scan but is aimed at examining only a limited part of the body.
Common Names:
- PET Scan of the Chest
- PET Imaging for Head and Neck
- Regional PET-CT Scan
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 1.54.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Limited PET Imaging
- Surgical Consent Form Name: PET Scan of a Specific Area
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This procedure is often used for patients who need a closer look at a specific part of their body to diagnose issues such as cancer, infection, or certain brain disorders. For example, someone might undergo a PET scan to determine if cancer has spread to their lymph nodes or to check on the progress of a previously identified tumor.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- C34.90: This code represents a diagnosis of lung cancer without specifying which side it affects.
- C79.31: This code indicates that there is a secondary malignant growth in the brain, often coming from another part of the body.
- G20: This code signifies Parkinson’s disease, a disorder affecting the brain’s ability to control movement.
Summary
In summary, code 78811 describes a PET scan focusing on a specific area, like the chest or head/neck. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 78811 include C34.90 (Lung cancer unspecified) and C79.31 (Secondary brain cancer).
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.