How To Use CPT Code 78445

CPT 78445 describes the procedure for non-cardiac vascular flow imaging, specifically angiography and venography. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 78445?

CPT 78445 can be used to describe the non-cardiac vascular flow imaging procedure, which involves obtaining images of the blood flow through the vessels using angiography or venography. The purpose of this procedure is to determine any narrowing or disease in the vessels.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 78445 is: ‘Non-cardiac vascular flow imaging (i.e., angiography, venography).’ There are no additional notes available for this code.

3. Procedure

1. During the non-cardiac vascular flow imaging procedure, the healthcare provider uses angiography or venography imaging techniques to assess the blood flow in the arteries and veins.
2. In angiography, the provider injects contrast into the red blood cells of the artery and obtains images of the blood flow in the artery on a monitor.
3. The provider examines the images for any abnormalities, diseases, or narrowing in the vessels.
4. In venography, the provider performs the same imaging procedure on the veins to assess the blood flow.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 78445 is used when a healthcare provider needs to assess the blood flow in the arteries or veins of a patient. This procedure is typically performed to determine any narrowing or disease in the vessels. It is important to note that this code specifically applies to non-cardiac vascular flow imaging.

5. When to use CPT code 78445

CPT code 78445 should be used when a healthcare provider performs non-cardiac vascular flow imaging using angiography or venography techniques. This code is appropriate when the purpose of the procedure is to assess the blood flow in the arteries or veins and identify any abnormalities or diseases.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 78445, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the non-cardiac vascular flow imaging procedure
• Details of the imaging techniques used (angiography or venography)
• Images obtained during the procedure
• Findings and interpretations of the images
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 78445, ensure that the procedure performed is non-cardiac vascular flow imaging using angiography or venography techniques. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting this code with other codes. However, it is important to follow payer policies and guidelines for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 78445 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs non-cardiac vascular flow imaging using angiography to assess the blood flow in the arteries of a patient with suspected arterial disease.
2. Using venography, a healthcare provider evaluates the blood flow in the veins of a patient with suspected venous insufficiency.
3. During a non-cardiac vascular flow imaging procedure, a healthcare provider uses angiography to identify any narrowing or disease in the arteries of a patient with peripheral artery disease.
4. A patient undergoes non-cardiac vascular flow imaging using venography to assess the blood flow in the veins for potential deep vein thrombosis.
5. Using angiography, a healthcare provider performs non-cardiac vascular flow imaging to evaluate the blood flow in the arteries of a patient with suspected atherosclerosis.
6. A healthcare provider uses venography to assess the blood flow in the veins of a patient with suspected varicose veins during a non-cardiac vascular flow imaging procedure.
7. During a non-cardiac vascular flow imaging procedure, a healthcare provider performs angiography to identify any narrowing or disease in the arteries of a patient with suspected renal artery stenosis.
8. A patient undergoes non-cardiac vascular flow imaging using venography to assess the blood flow in the veins for potential deep vein thrombosis.
9. Using angiography, a healthcare provider performs non-cardiac vascular flow imaging to evaluate the blood flow in the arteries of a patient with suspected mesenteric artery disease.
10. A healthcare provider uses venography to assess the blood flow in the veins of a patient with suspected venous thrombosis during a non-cardiac vascular flow imaging procedure.