How To Use CPT Code 78483

CPT 78483 describes the diagnostic procedure known as cardiac blood pool imaging using the first pass technique. 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 78483?

CPT 78483 can be used to describe the diagnostic procedure called cardiac blood pool imaging using the first pass technique. This procedure is performed to evaluate the function of the left ventricle, which is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. The goal of this test is to assess how well the heart is pumping blood to the rest of the body by examining the heart wall motion and ejection fraction.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 78483 is: ‘Cardiac blood pool imaging (planar), first pass technique; multiple studies, at rest and with stress (exercise and/or pharmacologic), wall motion study plus ejection fraction, with or without quantification.’

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the provider performs multiple studies using the first pass technique to assess the function of the left ventricle.
2. The patient is prepped for the test, and a radioactive tracer is injected into their vein.
3. The tracer travels towards the heart, emitting gamma radiations as it passes through the heart and lungs.
4. A gamma camera detects the gamma radiations, and the computer uses this data to form images.
5. The provider performs imaging as the blood passes through the heart and lungs for the first time.
6. The procedure is performed both at rest and with exercise or drug-induced stress.
7. Multiple studies, including wall motion study and ejection fraction, are conducted to evaluate the function of the left ventricle.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 78483 is used for patients who require evaluation of their left ventricular function. This procedure is typically performed for individuals with suspected heart conditions or those who have previously been diagnosed with heart disease. The provider must use the first pass technique and conduct multiple studies, including at rest and with stress. The procedure may also involve quantification, depending on the specific circumstances.

5. When to use CPT code 78483

CPT code 78483 should be used when a provider performs cardiac blood pool imaging using the first pass technique, including multiple studies at rest and with stress. This code is appropriate for evaluating the left ventricular function in patients with suspected or diagnosed heart conditions. It is important to note that CPT codes 78481-78483 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 78451-78454.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 78483, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s medical history and reason for the procedure
• Details of the first pass technique used
• Date and time of the procedure
• Results of the wall motion study and ejection fraction
• Any quantification performed, if applicable
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 78483, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description. It is important to use the appropriate code to report exercise or drug-induced stress, as well as any radiopharmaceutical substances used. If reporting only the physician’s interpretation or the technical component, modifiers 26 and TC should be appended, respectively. However, it is essential to review payer policies regarding the use of these modifiers, especially for hospitals.

8. Historical information

CPT 78483 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1992. There have been several historical changes to the code, including updates in 2001, 2008, and 2010.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a history of heart disease undergoes cardiac blood pool imaging using the first pass technique to assess their left ventricular function at rest and with exercise.
2. A provider performs multiple studies, including wall motion study and ejection fraction, using the first pass technique to evaluate the left ventricular function of a patient with suspected heart conditions.
3. A patient with symptoms of heart failure undergoes cardiac blood pool imaging using the first pass technique to assess their left ventricular function at rest and with drug-induced stress.
4. A provider conducts cardiac blood pool imaging using the first pass technique to evaluate the left ventricular function of a patient with a recent heart attack.
5. A patient with a family history of heart disease undergoes cardiac blood pool imaging using the first pass technique to assess their left ventricular function at rest and with exercise.
6. A provider performs multiple studies, including wall motion study and ejection fraction, using the first pass technique to evaluate the left ventricular function of a patient with unexplained chest pain.
7. A patient with a known heart condition undergoes cardiac blood pool imaging using the first pass technique to assess their left ventricular function at rest and with drug-induced stress.
8. A provider conducts cardiac blood pool imaging using the first pass technique to evaluate the left ventricular function of a patient with a history of arrhythmias.
9. A patient with symptoms of heart failure undergoes cardiac blood pool imaging using the first pass technique to assess their left ventricular function at rest and with exercise.
10. A provider performs multiple studies, including wall motion study and ejection fraction, using the first pass technique to evaluate the left ventricular function of a patient with suspected heart conditions.