How To Use CPT Code 78300

CPT 78300 describes the limited area bone and/or joint imaging procedure performed by a provider using a radionuclide injection. 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 78300?

CPT 78300 can be used to describe a specialized nuclear medicine procedure known as a bone scan or scintigraphy. In this procedure, a radionuclide is injected by a physician to examine specific bones or joints in the body. The purpose of this imaging is to diagnose bone diseases or assess the condition of fractures, osteomyelitis, or metastatic bone disease.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 78300 is: ‘Bone and/or joint imaging; limited area.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician injects a radionuclide, also known as a tracer, into a vein.
2. After a waiting period of 4-6 hours, the physician images a limited area or specific bones and joints of the body.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 78300 is typically ordered by physicians when there is a need to examine a specific area or number of bones and joints. This procedure is commonly used to diagnose bone diseases, fractures, osteomyelitis, or metastatic bone disease. The radionuclide injection is performed by a physician, and the imaging is conducted to assess the condition of the targeted bones or joints.

5. When to use CPT code 78300

CPT code 78300 should be used when a limited area bone and/or joint imaging procedure is performed. This code is appropriate when the physician injects a radionuclide and images specific bones or joints to diagnose bone diseases or assess fractures, osteomyelitis, or metastatic bone disease. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for a limited area imaging study.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 78300, the physician must document the following information:

• Reason for the bone scan and the specific area or number of bones and joints imaged
• Date and time of the radionuclide injection
• Date and time of the imaging procedure
• Interpretation of the imaging results
• Signature of the physician performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 78300, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for a limited area bone and/or joint imaging study. If the radiopharmaceutical substance used for the procedure has a separate cost, it may be reported separately using the appropriate code. Modifier 26 should be appended to the radiology code if reporting only the physician’s interpretation, and modifier TC should be appended if reporting only the technical component. However, payer policies may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. If the same provider renders both the professional and technical components, no modifier is necessary for reporting a global service.

8. Historical information

CPT 78300 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 physician performing a limited area bone scan on a patient’s wrist to assess a suspected fracture.
2. A radiologist conducting a bone scan of a patient’s hip to evaluate for possible osteomyelitis.
3. A nuclear medicine specialist performing a limited area bone and joint imaging study on a patient’s knee to assess the extent of arthritis.
4. A physician conducting a bone scan of a patient’s spine to evaluate for metastatic bone disease.
5. A radiologist performing a limited area bone and joint imaging study on a patient’s shoulder to assess a suspected rotator cuff tear.
6. A nuclear medicine specialist conducting a bone scan of a patient’s ankle to evaluate for possible stress fractures.
7. A physician performing a limited area bone and joint imaging study on a patient’s hand to assess for signs of rheumatoid arthritis.
8. A radiologist conducting a bone scan of a patient’s foot to evaluate for possible bone infection.
9. A nuclear medicine specialist performing a limited area bone and joint imaging study on a patient’s elbow to assess for signs of inflammation.
10. A physician conducting a bone scan of a patient’s ribs to evaluate for possible fractures.