CPT code 78831 refers to a type of medical imaging that uses special drugs to find tumors or areas of inflammation in the body. CPT 78831 represents “Radiopharmaceutical localization of tumor, inflammatory process or distribution of radiopharmaceutical agent(s) (includes vascular flow and blood pool imaging, when performed); tomographic (SPECT), minimum 2 areas (eg, pelvis and knees, chest and abdomen) or separate acquisitions (eg, lung ventilation and perfusion), single day imaging, or single area or acquisition over 2 or more days.”
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure involves injecting a tiny amount of radioactive material into the body to help doctors see certain parts of the body and determine the presence or extent of diseases, like tumors, through a special camera. It includes checking how blood flows and pools in those areas. The procedure can focus on at least two regions, such as the pelvis and knees, or it could involve separate activities like examining how well air moves in and out of the lungs. This can be done all in one day or stretched over two or more days if focusing on one part of the body.
Common Names:
- Nuclear Medicine Scan
- SPECT Scan
- Radiopharmaceutical Imaging
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 1.82.
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 have symptoms or signs that suggest they might have a tumor or an inflammatory disease. For example, someone experiencing unexplained pain or swelling in an area might undergo this scan. It’s common in cases where doctors need a better picture of diseases like different kinds of cancer or chronic inflammatory conditions.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- C34.90: This code is used when a lung tumor is suspected but hasn’t been specifically identified yet as cancer.
- I70.213: This code indicates a condition involving narrowing of the arteries in the legs, which could require imaging to assess.
- D63.1: This code represents anemia in patients with cancer, where imaging might be necessary to evaluate the cancer’s extent.
Summary
In summary, code 78831 describes a specialized imaging procedure designed to locate tumors and inflammation in various body parts by using radiopharmaceuticals. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 78831 include C34.90 (unspecified lung tumor) and I70.213 (leg artery narrowing).
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.