How To Use CPT Code 78102

CPT 78102 describes the imaging of bone marrow in a limited area using a radiopharmaceutical. 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 78102?

CPT 78102 can be used to describe the imaging of bone marrow in a limited area using a radiopharmaceutical. This code is used when the provider obtains bone marrow images of a specific region of the body.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 78102 is: ‘Bone marrow imaging; limited area.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider administers a radiopharmaceutical or tracer, such as Tc–99m sulfur colloid, intravenously.
2. The tracer is carried by the patient’s bloodstream and absorbed by the bones.
3. The provider positions a gamma camera against the specific area of the body to be examined.
4. The provider records the images of the tracer distribution in the bone using the gamma camera.
5. The provider may move the camera and/or table during the study to capture different angles and views of the bone marrow.
6. The provider analyzes the images to assess for any abnormal bone metabolism or disease.
7. The provider reviews the findings with the referring physician and prepares a nuclear medicine report.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 78102 is used when the provider performs bone marrow imaging in a limited area. This procedure is typically done to evaluate the activity of bone marrow in diseases such as metastatic disease, leukemia, unexplained bone pain, osteomyelitis, or to determine the best location for a bone marrow biopsy.

5. When to use CPT code 78102

CPT code 78102 should be used when the provider obtains bone marrow images of a limited area. It is important to note that if the provider obtains bone marrow images of multiple areas, CPT code 78103 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 78102, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the study and the specific area of the body imaged
• Type of radiopharmaceutical or tracer used
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the imaging process, including any specific positioning or movement of the gamma camera
• Findings and analysis of the images
• Review of the findings with the referring physician
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 78102, ensure that the procedure involves imaging of bone marrow in a limited area. If the provider only interprets the radiology service, append modifier 26 to the radiology code. If only the technical component is reported, append modifier TC to the radiology code. However, note that payer policies may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. If the provider renders both the professional and technical components, do not append any modifiers to the radiology code.

8. Historical information

CPT 78102 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 bone marrow imaging of the hip area to evaluate a patient with unexplained bone pain.
2. A provider obtains bone marrow images of the sternum to assess for metastatic disease in a cancer patient.
3. A provider performs bone marrow imaging of the lumbar spine to determine the best location for a bone marrow biopsy.
4. A provider images the pelvic bone to evaluate a patient with suspected osteomyelitis.
5. A provider obtains bone marrow images of the skull to diagnose a patient with leukemia.
6. A provider performs bone marrow imaging of the tibia to assess for abnormal bone metabolism in a patient with unexplained symptoms.
7. A provider images the clavicle to evaluate a patient with suspected bone infection.
8. A provider obtains bone marrow images of the ribs to determine the extent of metastatic disease in a cancer patient.
9. A provider performs bone marrow imaging of the scapula to assess for abnormal bone metabolism in a patient with unexplained symptoms.
10. A provider images the femur to evaluate a patient with suspected osteomyelitis.