How To Use CPT Code 78075

CPT 78075 describes the imaging technique used to evaluate and identify abnormal adrenal function. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 78075?

CPT 78075 can be used to describe the functional imaging technique performed by a provider to evaluate and identify abnormal adrenal function. This code is used when the provider administers an intravenous injection of a radiolabeled cholesterol or radioactive tracer to the patient and schedules them for imaging within three to seven days. The provider also orders other medications for the patient to take before returning for imaging.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 78075 is: ‘Adrenal imaging, cortex and/or medulla.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider administers an intravenous injection of a radiolabeled cholesterol or radioactive tracer to the patient.
2. The provider orders medications such as potassium iodide and a laxative for the patient to take before returning for imaging.
3. The patient returns for imaging within a two to seven-day period, with the timing of imaging sequences determined by the clinical reason for testing.
4. The provider takes planar images with a Gamma camera and compares them to evaluate the uptake of tracer material in the adrenal glands.
5. The provider may take additional images as needed to help with localization of a tumor.
6. The provider analyzes and interprets the images and reviews the findings with the ordering physician.
7. The provider dictates, reviews, and signs the nuclear medicine report.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 78075 services are those who require evaluation and identification of abnormal adrenal function. This imaging technique can detect benign and malignant tumors in the adrenal glands, differentiate between cortical and medullary tumors, and determine causes of Cushing’s syndrome. The provider must administer an intravenous injection of a radiolabeled cholesterol or radioactive tracer and order other medications for the patient to take before returning for imaging.

5. When to use CPT code 78075

CPT code 78075 should be used when a provider performs adrenal imaging to evaluate and identify abnormal adrenal function. It should not be used for other types of imaging or for imaging of other organs. This code is specific to imaging of the adrenal cortex and/or medulla.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 78075, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s clinical reason for testing and symptoms
• Details of the radiolabeled cholesterol or radioactive tracer administered
• Medications ordered for the patient to take before returning for imaging
• Date of the imaging procedure
• Images taken and findings of the evaluation
• Comparison of the images and analysis of the tracer uptake in the adrenal glands
• Review of the findings with the ordering physician
• Dictation, review, and signature of the nuclear medicine report

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 78075, ensure that the provider performs the complete procedure as described in the official description. Use the appropriate CPT code for adrenal imaging and do not report this code for imaging of other organs. If reporting only the physician’s interpretation for the radiology service, append professional component modifier 26 to the radiology code. If reporting only the technical component, append modifier TC to the radiology code. However, check payer policies as hospitals may be exempt from appending modifier TC. Do not append a professional or technical modifier when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both components.

8. Historical information

CPT 78075 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs adrenal imaging to evaluate a patient with suspected adrenal adenoma.
2. A provider uses CPT 78075 to identify the cause of Cushing’s syndrome in a patient.
3. A patient undergoes adrenal imaging to detect and localize an adrenal carcinoma.
4. A provider performs adrenal imaging to differentiate between cortical and medullary tumors in a patient.
5. A patient with symptoms of abnormal adrenal function undergoes imaging to determine the cause of their condition.
6. A provider uses CPT 78075 to evaluate a patient with adrenal dysfunction following a previous diagnosis.
7. A patient with suspected adrenal tumor undergoes imaging to assess the size and location of the tumor.
8. A provider performs adrenal imaging to monitor the response to treatment in a patient with adrenal disease.
9. A patient with symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome undergoes adrenal imaging to confirm the diagnosis.
10. A provider uses CPT 78075 to evaluate a patient with adrenal dysfunction as part of a comprehensive diagnostic workup.