CPT code 78812 refers to a type of imaging test called a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, which looks for changes from the base of the skull to the middle of the thighs using a special camera. CPT 78812 represents “Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging; skull base to mid-thigh.”
Procedure Explanation:
This medical test, often performed in hospitals or specialized imaging centers, involves using a special camera and a safe, small amount of radioactive material to visualize metabolic activity in the body. The goal is to find areas in the body that might not be visible with other imaging tests. This specific procedure covers the area from the lower part of the head to the upper areas of the legs, and does not include other parts of the body, such as the arms or the very top of the head.
Common Names:
- PET Scan
- Whole-body PET scan
- Metabolic imaging
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 1.93.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: PET scan from head to thigh
- Surgical Consent Form Name: PET imaging of the torso region
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
PET scans are often used for patients who might have cancer, as these scans help doctors see how tissues and organs are working, which aids in diagnosing the condition. For example, a doctor might order a PET scan if they suspect metastasis, where cancer spreads from one part of the body to another, or for conditions like lymphoma or lung cancer.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- C34.90: Represents a diagnosis of lung cancer which is confirmed but not precisely diagnosed in terms of location.
- C81.90: Describes a type of cancer known as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, found in the lymphatic system, without specifying the exact area of involvement.
- C79.31: Indicates cancer that has spread to the brain from another part of the body.
Summary
In summary, code 78812 describes an imaging test that uses a special camera to check how tissues in the torso are functioning. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 78812 include C34.90 (Lung cancer diagnosis) and C81.90 (Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis).
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.