How To Use CPT Code 78605

CPT 78605 describes the procedure for brain imaging using a radiopharmaceutical substance to examine the function of the brain. 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 78605?

CPT 78605 can be used to describe the brain imaging procedure that involves a minimum of four static views. This code is used when a provider performs nuclear diagnostic imaging of the brain using a radiopharmaceutical substance to examine the function of the brain. The procedure includes capturing two-dimensional views that show one image at a time.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 78605 is: ‘Brain imaging, minimum 4 static views.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs nuclear diagnostic imaging of the brain using a radiopharmaceutical substance.
2. The patient is injected with or inhales/swallows a small amount of the radiopharmaceutical substance.
3. The radiopharmaceutical substance reaches the brain and specific organ or cellular receptors.
4. A gamma camera or probe detects the gamma radiation given off by the radiopharmaceutical substance.
5. The device records the gamma rays, and a computer uses the data to create two-dimensional images.
6. A minimum of four static views are captured, showing one image at a time.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 78605 is used for brain imaging procedures that involve a minimum of four static views. It is performed to diagnose diseases and examine the function of the brain. The procedure uses a radiopharmaceutical substance that is taken up by specific organs or cellular receptors. The provider must ensure that the patient meets the necessary criteria for the brain imaging procedure and that the minimum number of static views are captured.

5. When to use CPT code 78605

CPT code 78605 should be used when a provider performs brain imaging with a minimum of four static views. This code is appropriate when the procedure involves capturing two-dimensional images of the brain using a radiopharmaceutical substance. It is important to ensure that the minimum number of static views are obtained to accurately diagnose and examine the function of the brain.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 78605, the provider must document the following information:

• Details of the brain imaging procedure performed
• Number of static views captured
• Date and time of the procedure
• Specific radiopharmaceutical substance used
• Any additional relevant information or findings
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 78605, ensure that the procedure involves a minimum of four static views of the brain. It is important to accurately report the number of static views captured during the imaging procedure. If reporting only the physician’s interpretation, append modifier 26 to the radiology code. If reporting only the technical component, append modifier TC to the radiology code. However, be aware of payer policies regarding the use of modifiers for hospitals. It is important to follow proper coding guidelines and consider the location of the testing when reporting brain imaging procedures.

8. Historical information

CPT 78605 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been historical changes to the code, including updates on January 1, 2008, and January 1, 2010.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs brain imaging with a minimum of four static views to examine the function of the brain in a patient with suspected neurological disorders.
2. A radiologist captures four static views of the brain using a radiopharmaceutical substance to diagnose a brain tumor in a patient.
3. A nuclear medicine technologist performs brain imaging with a minimum of four static views to evaluate the function of the brain in a patient with memory loss.
4. A neurologist orders brain imaging with a minimum of four static views to assess the brain function in a patient with epilepsy.
5. A physician performs brain imaging with a minimum of four static views to examine the brain activity in a patient with movement disorders.
6. A radiology technician captures four static views of the brain using a radiopharmaceutical substance to diagnose a cerebrovascular disease in a patient.
7. A provider performs brain imaging with a minimum of four static views to evaluate the brain function in a patient with psychiatric disorders.
8. A nuclear medicine technologist captures four static views of the brain using a radiopharmaceutical substance to assess the brain metabolism in a patient with cognitive impairment.
9. A radiologist performs brain imaging with a minimum of four static views to diagnose a brain infection in a patient with neurological symptoms.
10. A neurologist orders brain imaging with a minimum of four static views to evaluate the brain function in a patient with multiple sclerosis.