How To Use CPT Code 78606

CPT 78606 describes the procedure for brain imaging with a minimum of four static views and includes a vascular flow study. 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 78606?

CPT 78606 can be used to describe the procedure for brain imaging with a minimum of four static views and includes a vascular flow study. 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 provider evaluates the blood flow to the brain and performs four or more static views, which are two-dimensional views that show one image at a time.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 78606 is: ‘Brain imaging, minimum 4 static views; with vascular flow.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs nuclear diagnostic imaging of the brain using a radiopharmaceutical substance.
2. The radiopharmaceutical substance is injected into the patient’s bloodstream, inhaled, or swallowed, depending on the type of tissue being studied.
3. The radiopharmaceutical substance reaches the specific organ or cellular receptors, and the provider uses a gamma camera or probe to detect the gamma radiation given off by the radioactive part of the substance.
4. The provider records the gamma rays given off by the radiopharmaceutical substance, and a computer uses this data to create images.
5. The provider performs a minimum of four static views, which are two-dimensional views that show one image at a time, to examine the brain.
6. The provider also performs a vascular flow study by injecting the radiopharmaceutical substance into the patient’s bloodstream to examine the amount of blood flow to the brain.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 78606 are those who require brain imaging with a minimum of four static views and a vascular flow study. This procedure is used to diagnose diseases and evaluate the function of the brain. The provider uses a radiopharmaceutical substance to perform the imaging, and the patient may be injected with, inhale, or swallow the substance, depending on the type of tissue being studied.

5. When to use CPT code 78606

CPT code 78606 should be used when a provider performs brain imaging with a minimum of four static views and includes a vascular flow study. This code is appropriate when the provider uses a radiopharmaceutical substance to examine the function of the brain and evaluates the blood flow to the brain. It should not be used for brain imaging with less than four static views or without a vascular flow study.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 78606, the provider must document the following information:

• Specific details of the brain imaging procedure performed
• Type of radiopharmaceutical substance used
• Date and time of the procedure
• Number of static views obtained
• Results of the vascular flow study
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 78606, ensure that the provider performs a minimum of four static views and includes a vascular flow study. This code should not be reported with other codes for brain imaging procedures that do not meet these criteria. If reporting only the physician’s interpretation for the radiology service, append modifier 26. If reporting only the technical component, append modifier TC. However, payer policy may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. Do not append a professional or technical modifier when reporting a global service in which one provider renders both components.

8. Historical information

CPT 78606 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was later changed on January 1, 2008, to include a vascular flow study in the description.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs brain imaging with a minimum of four static views and includes a vascular flow study to evaluate a patient with suspected brain tumor.
2. A patient with a history of stroke undergoes brain imaging with a minimum of four static views and includes a vascular flow study to assess blood flow to the brain.
3. A provider performs brain imaging with a minimum of four static views and includes a vascular flow study to diagnose a patient with suspected Alzheimer’s disease.
4. A patient with a head injury undergoes brain imaging with a minimum of four static views and includes a vascular flow study to assess brain function and blood flow.
5. A provider performs brain imaging with a minimum of four static views and includes a vascular flow study to evaluate a patient with epilepsy.
6. A patient with memory loss undergoes brain imaging with a minimum of four static views and includes a vascular flow study to assess brain function and blood flow.
7. A provider performs brain imaging with a minimum of four static views and includes a vascular flow study to diagnose a patient with suspected brain aneurysm.
8. A patient with migraines undergoes brain imaging with a minimum of four static views and includes a vascular flow study to assess blood flow to the brain during migraine attacks.
9. A provider performs brain imaging with a minimum of four static views and includes a vascular flow study to evaluate a patient with suspected brain infection.
10. A patient with dizziness and balance problems undergoes brain imaging with a minimum of four static views and includes a vascular flow study to assess brain function and blood flow.