CPT code 78813 refers to a complete body scan that helps doctors see how different body tissues are functioning by detecting changes at the cellular level. CPT 78813 represents “Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging; whole body.”
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure is a type of medical imaging called a PET scan that covers the entire body. It involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material into the body, which then highlights areas of tissue activity that might indicate disease. This scan does not involve surgery and excludes any treatment procedures; it’s purely diagnostic.
Common Names:
- Whole Body PET Scan
- Full-Body Positron Emission Tomography
- PET Imaging (Whole Body)
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 2.0.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Full Body PET Imaging
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Authorization for Whole Body PET Scan
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This scanning procedure is often used for patients who might have cancers, heart problems, or other significant medical issues. For instance, someone experiencing unexplained weight loss and fatigue might undergo a PET scan to check for possible cancers or other diseases affecting tissues throughout the body.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- C34.90: Lung cancer that has not been specified as small-cell or non-small cell type.
- I21.3: A type of heart attack caused by a partial blockage of a major artery.
- E66.9: Obesity, not specifically categorized, that could indicate related health issues requiring a PET scan.
Summary
In summary, code 78813 describes a comprehensive imaging test called a whole-body PET scan used to observe cell activity in tissues throughout the body. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 78813 include C34.90 (Lung cancer unspecified) and I21.3 (Heart attack from a partial artery blockage).
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.