How To Use CPT Code 78110
CPT 78110 describes the procedure for determining plasma volume using a radiopharmaceutical volume-dilution technique. 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 78110?
CPT 78110 can be used to determine the plasma volume in a patient using a radiopharmaceutical volume-dilution technique. This code represents a single sampling method, where the provider introduces a known quantity of radioactive material into the blood and measures the concentration after adequate mixing to calculate the plasma volume.
2. Official Description
The official description of CPT code 78110 is: ‘Plasma volume, radiopharmaceutical volume-dilution technique (separate procedure); single sampling.’
3. Procedure
- The provider injects a radioactive tracer, such as iodinated albumin, directly into a vein.
- After a specified time, the provider withdraws a blood sample using an appropriate anticoagulant.
- The provider calculates the plasma volume by measuring the concentration of the tracer in the sample and using a mathematical formula.
- Centrifuging a part of the blood sample allows the provider to measure the radioactivity of an exact volume of plasma.
- Using the concentration of the tracer and the measured radioactivity, the provider can calculate the volume in which the tracer is distributed and determine the plasma volume.
4. Qualifying circumstances
CPT 78110 is used when the provider determines the plasma volume using a radiopharmaceutical volume-dilution technique. This procedure is performed to quantify blood components like plasma volume, red blood cell volume, white blood cell volume, etc. The provider injects a radioactive tracer, such as iodinated albumin, into the patient’s vein and measures the concentration of the tracer in a blood sample to calculate the plasma volume. This code should be used when the provider takes a single blood sample to determine the plasma volume and does not perform the test as part of a larger procedure.
5. When to use CPT code 78110
CPT code 78110 should be used when the provider performs a single sampling to determine the plasma volume using a radiopharmaceutical volume-dilution technique. It is important to note that this code is not appropriate when multiple blood samples are taken to determine the plasma volume. In such cases, CPT code 78111 should be used instead.
6. Documentation requirements
To support a claim for CPT 78110, the provider must document the following information:
- Reason for performing the procedure and the need to determine the plasma volume
- Details of the radiopharmaceutical used as a tracer
- Date and time of the procedure
- Methodology and mathematical formula used to calculate the plasma volume
- Results of the plasma volume determination
- Signature of the provider performing the procedure
7. Billing guidelines
When billing for CPT 78110, ensure that the procedure is performed as a separate procedure and involves a single sampling to determine the plasma volume. It is important to note that the radiopharmaceutical substance may be billed separately by the entity that bears the cost. If reporting only the professional component, append modifier 26 to the radiology code. If reporting only the technical component, append modifier TC to the radiology code. However, payer policy may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. When reporting a global service in which one provider renders both the professional and technical components, do not append a professional or technical modifier to the radiology code.
8. Historical information
CPT 78110 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
- A provider determines the plasma volume using a radiopharmaceutical volume-dilution technique by injecting a radioactive tracer and measuring the concentration in a single blood sample.
- Provide nine more examples of cases where CPT code 78110 should be billed. Only explain the examples and make them all original.
