How To Use CPT Code 78012

CPT 78012 describes the procedure for thyroid uptake, which involves the examination of the thyroid gland after the administration of radioiodine. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 78012?

CPT 78012 is used to describe the procedure for thyroid uptake, which involves the examination of the thyroid gland at selected times following the oral administration of radioiodine. This procedure helps determine the amount of radioiodine that reaches the thyroid within a specific time frame, allowing healthcare providers to assess the functioning of the thyroid gland.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 78012 is: ‘Thyroid uptake, single or multiple quantitative measurement(s) (including stimulation, suppression, or discharge, when performed).’ This code encompasses the examination of the thyroid gland using a non-imaging gamma probe or scintillation detector to measure the amount of radioiodine absorbed by the thyroid.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider administers a small oral dose of radioiodine to the patient.
2. The patient is advised to return once or twice within a specific time frame (4 to 24 hours) after ingesting the radioactive iodine.
3. During the return visit(s), the provider uses a non-imaging gamma probe or scintillation detector to measure the amount of radioiodine absorbed by the thyroid.
4. If necessary, the provider may administer medication to stimulate, suppress, or affect the discharge of the radioiodine from the thyroid.
5. The provider compares the uptake readings from the initial and follow-up tests to determine the functioning of the thyroid gland.
6. The provider interprets the results, compares them with any relevant prior studies, and prepares a nuclear medicine report.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 78012 is performed when there is a need to assess the functioning of the thyroid gland. This procedure is commonly used to determine the reasons for thyrotoxicosis, which is an excess of thyroid hormone in the body. Conditions such as Graves’ disease, autoimmune hyperthyroidism, and overactive thyroid may lead to thyrotoxicosis. The procedure is typically performed by a healthcare provider specializing in nuclear medicine.

5. When to use CPT code 78012

CPT code 78012 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the thyroid uptake procedure to assess the functioning of the thyroid gland. It is important to note that this code should not be reported together with CPT code 78013 for the same service. If both procedures are performed, CPT code 78014, which represents the comprehensive service, should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 78012, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s medical history and reason for performing the thyroid uptake procedure
• Details of the radioiodine administration, including the form (pill or liquid)
• Date and time of the initial and follow-up visits
• Results of the uptake measurements
• Administration of any medication to stimulate, suppress, or affect discharge of the radioiodine
• Comparison with any relevant prior studies
• Interpretation of the results
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 78012, ensure that the procedure is performed by a healthcare provider specializing in nuclear medicine. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting the professional and technical components of the service. Modifier 26 should be appended to the radiology code if reporting only the physician’s interpretation, while modifier TC should be appended if reporting only the technical component. If the service includes both components, no modifier is necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT code 78012 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2013. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes the thyroid uptake procedure to assess the functioning of their thyroid gland after experiencing symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
2. A healthcare provider performs the thyroid uptake procedure on a patient with a history of Graves’ disease to monitor the effectiveness of their treatment.
3. A patient with an overactive thyroid undergoes the thyroid uptake procedure to determine the cause of their condition.
4. A healthcare provider performs the thyroid uptake procedure on a patient with suspected thyroid cancer to assess the extent of the disease.
5. A patient with an underactive thyroid undergoes the thyroid uptake procedure to evaluate the effectiveness of their hormone replacement therapy.
6. A healthcare provider performs the thyroid uptake procedure on a patient with a thyroid nodule to assess its functionality.
7. A patient with a family history of thyroid disorders undergoes the thyroid uptake procedure as a preventive measure.
8. A healthcare provider performs the thyroid uptake procedure on a pregnant patient to monitor the functioning of their thyroid during pregnancy.
9. A patient with unexplained weight loss and fatigue undergoes the thyroid uptake procedure to investigate potential thyroid dysfunction.
10. A healthcare provider performs the thyroid uptake procedure on a patient with a history of radiation exposure to monitor the health of their thyroid gland.